CET Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques

Question 1

What is the main goal of infection control in endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Prevent cross-contamination

Answer

The main goal of infection control in endoscopy is paramount: to prevent cross-contamination between patients, healthcare workers, and the environment. This is achieved through stringent protocols for cleaning, high-level disinfection or sterilization of endoscopes and accessories, proper handling of contaminated materials, and adherence to universal precautions. Effective infection control ensures patient safety and minimizes the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Question 2

Which chemical is commonly used for high-level disinfection of endoscopes?

Accepted Answer

Glutaraldehyde

Answer

Glutaraldehyde is a widely used chemical agent for high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive medical devices, including endoscopes. It is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While effective, its use requires careful handling due to its potential toxicity and the need for proper ventilation and personal protective equipment.

Question 3

Why must endoscopes be pre-cleaned immediately after use?

Accepted Answer

To prevent drying of debris

Answer

Pre-cleaning immediately after use is crucial because organic material like blood, tissue, and mucus can quickly dry and adhere to the endoscope's surfaces and channels. Once dried, this debris becomes significantly harder to remove, potentially compromising the effectiveness of subsequent cleaning and disinfection steps and increasing the risk of microbial contamination.

Question 4

What is the final step in reprocessing an endoscope?

Accepted Answer

Drying and storing properly

Answer

After thorough cleaning and high-level disinfection, the final critical step is drying the endoscope, both externally and internally, using filtered air or alcohol. Proper drying prevents the growth of residual microorganisms in any moisture, and then the scope must be stored correctly in a vertical, hanging position to maintain its dry state and prevent recontamination until its next use.

Question 5

What is the correct order of endoscope reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

Pre-clean, disinfect, rinse, dry, store

Answer

The correct order of endoscope reprocessing is a multi-step process designed to ensure patient safety. It begins with immediate pre-cleaning to remove gross debris, followed by thorough manual cleaning, then high-level disinfection to kill microorganisms, a final rinse to remove disinfectant residue, and finally drying and proper storage to prevent recontamination.

(CET) Certified Endoscopy Technician Practice Test

(CET) Certified Endoscopy Technician Practice Test

CET Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques