Scope and Equipment Reprocessing Flashcards

Which final drying step best limits microbial growth in endoscope channels after high-level disinfection and rinsing?

Answer: Flush channels with 70%-90% alcohol, then purge with forced air

Alcohol helps water evaporate, and forced air removes leftover moisture that would let bacteria grow.

Which practice is correct for storing a reprocessed flexible endoscope?

Answer: Hang vertically in a ventilated cabinet with valves and caps removed

Hanging vertically with valves off in a ventilated cabinet helps the scope drain and dry and avoids contamination.

When should bedside precleaning of a flexible endoscope be done?

Answer: Immediately after removal from the patient, before secretions dry

Wiping the insertion tube and suctioning detergent right away keeps debris from drying and forming biofilm.

Per SGNA guidance, how often should the endoscope water bottle and its connecting tubing be high-level disinfected or sterilized?

Answer: At least daily

SGNA recommends high-level disinfecting or sterilizing the water bottle and tubing at least daily, filled with sterile water.

How should enzymatic detergent solution be handled during manual endoscope cleaning?

Answer: Use fresh solution for each scope and discard it after use

Enzymatic detergents are single-use because they collect debris and microbes and have no antimicrobial activity.

Which glove material is recommended when handling glutaraldehyde?

Answer: Nitrile or butyl rubber

Nitrile and butyl rubber resist glutaraldehyde, while latex and vinyl let it pass through.

While inspecting a scope after high-level disinfection, the nurse sees visible debris on the distal end. What is the correct action?

Answer: Repeat the entire reprocessing cycle, starting with manual cleaning

Visible debris means cleaning failed, so the scope must go through full reprocessing again, starting with manual cleaning.