- Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Flexible Endoscope Reprocessing Questions and Answers Flashcards

What must be performed immediately after a flexible endoscope is used on a patient?

Answer: Bedside pre-cleaning including wiping the insertion tube and suctioning enzymatic detergent through channels

Bedside pre-cleaning is critical to prevent organic soil from drying in the endoscope channels. This includes wiping the exterior and suctioning enzymatic solution through the air/water and suction channels while the endoscope is still connected to the light source.

What is the purpose of leak testing a flexible endoscope before cleaning?

Answer: To detect damage to the outer sheath that could allow fluid ingress into the internal components

Leak testing detects breaches in the endoscope's outer covering that could allow cleaning solutions, disinfectants, or body fluids to penetrate the internal optical and mechanical components, causing costly damage and potential patient safety issues.

What is high-level disinfection (HLD) in the context of flexible endoscope reprocessing?

Answer: A process that eliminates all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores

High-level disinfection destroys all vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and viruses, and reduces but does not necessarily eliminate bacterial spores. It is the minimum reprocessing standard for semi-critical devices like flexible endoscopes that contact mucous membranes.

Why is it essential to flush all channels of a flexible endoscope with alcohol before storage?

Answer: To facilitate drying and prevent moisture-related microbial growth during storage

Flushing channels with 70% isopropyl alcohol displaces residual water and facilitates drying. Moisture remaining in channels during storage promotes bacterial growth and biofilm formation, which can compromise patient safety.

What type of brushes should be used to manually clean flexible endoscope channels?

Answer: Single-use brushes of the correct diameter specified by the endoscope manufacturer

Single-use cleaning brushes of the correct size ensure effective soil removal without damaging the delicate channel lining. Reusable brushes can harbour microorganisms and contribute to cross-contamination.

How should a reprocessed flexible endoscope be stored to minimize recontamination?

Answer: Hanging vertically in a clean, well-ventilated drying cabinet with caps and valves removed

Vertical hanging in a ventilated cabinet allows residual moisture to drain by gravity and air to circulate through channels. Removing caps and valves facilitates drying and prevents moisture trapping that promotes microbial growth.