IAHCSMM Flexible Endoscope Reprocessing

Question 1

According to ANSI/AAMI ST91, what is the FIRST step in flexible endoscope reprocessing after a procedure?

Accepted Answer

Point-of-use pre-cleaning: wiping the insertion tube and flushing channels with detergent solution or water at the procedure site

Answer

Submerging the endoscope in high-level disinfectant immediately

Answer

Sending the endoscope directly to the sterilizer

Answer

Performing a leak test before any cleaning

Question 2

A leak test is performed on a flexible endoscope BEFORE manual cleaning primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Detect any damage to the outer sheath or internal channels that would allow fluids to enter the scope internal components

Answer

Verify the scope camera function is working properly

Answer

Confirm the scope has been pre-cleaned adequately

Answer

Measure the scope channel diameter for brush selection

Question 3

Which disinfection level is required for flexible endoscopes used in procedures that contact mucous membranes (e.g., upper GI endoscopes)?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection (HLD)

Answer

Low-level disinfection (LLD)

Answer

Intermediate-level disinfection (ILD)

Answer

Sterilization

Question 4

What is the significance of minimum effective concentration (MEC) testing for high-level disinfectants used in endoscope reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

MEC testing verifies the disinfectant has not been diluted below the concentration required to achieve HLD

Answer

MEC testing confirms the endoscope channel length is correct

Answer

MEC testing measures the temperature of the disinfectant solution

Answer

MEC testing is only required annually by AAMI

Question 5

After high-level disinfection, flexible endoscopes must be rinsed with:

Accepted Answer

Sterile water or filtered water meeting bacterial quality standards, with each channel flushed completely

Answer

Tap water directly from the faucet to save time

Answer

The same high-level disinfectant solution at a lower concentration

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol only

Question 6

What is the recommended maximum hang-time for a reprocessed flexible endoscope stored in a ventilated drying cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Per the facility validated written protocol, often 5 to 7 days in a ventilated cabinet; after which the scope must be reprocessed before use

Answer

6 months without restriction

Answer

24 hours maximum regardless of cabinet type

Answer

Indefinitely if kept in a sealed plastic bag