CER Endoscope Reprocessing Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct order of the Spaulding Classification levels from lowest to highest risk?
- Non-critical, semi-critical, critical (Correct answer)
- Semi-critical, non-critical, critical
- Critical, semi-critical, non-critical
- Non-critical, critical, semi-critical
Correct answer: Non-critical, semi-critical, critical
The Spaulding Classification ranks items from lowest to highest risk as non-critical, semi-critical, and critical based on the level of patient contact.
Question 2: Which type of endoscope channel requires the most rigorous flushing during manual cleaning?
- Air/water channel
- Biopsy/suction channel (Correct answer)
- Auxiliary water channel
- Elevator wire channel
Correct answer: Biopsy/suction channel
The biopsy/suction channel accumulates the most organic material and bioburden, requiring the most thorough flushing during manual cleaning.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of leak testing an endoscope?
- To verify the endoscope's optical clarity
- To detect damage to the endoscope's outer sheath before immersion (Correct answer)
- To confirm the endoscope is free of microbial contamination
- To measure the flow rate of air through the channels
Correct answer: To detect damage to the endoscope's outer sheath before immersion
Leak testing detects breaches in the endoscope's outer sheath or internal components before immersion in liquid, preventing fluid ingress that can cause irreparable damage.
Question 4: Which organization's guidelines are considered the primary reference standard for flexible endoscope reprocessing in the US?
- CDC
- SGNA and AORN (Correct answer)
- The Joint Commission
- OSHA
Correct answer: SGNA and AORN
SGNA (Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates) and AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) publish the primary evidence-based guidelines for endoscope reprocessing in the US.
Question 5: What does the term 'biofilm' refer to in the context of endoscope reprocessing?
- A protective coating applied to endoscope channels after disinfection
- A community of microorganisms embedded in a protective matrix that adheres to surfaces (Correct answer)
- The thin film of lubricant applied before storage
- A film of detergent residue left after inadequate rinsing
Correct answer: A community of microorganisms embedded in a protective matrix that adheres to surfaces
Biofilm is a community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced polysaccharide matrix that adheres to surfaces and is highly resistant to disinfectants.
Question 6: How long after a procedure must point-of-care pre-cleaning (bedside cleaning) ideally begin?
- Within 30 minutes
- Within 1 hour
- Immediately before transporting to the reprocessing area
- As soon as possible before secretions dry (Correct answer)
Correct answer: As soon as possible before secretions dry
Pre-cleaning should begin as soon as possible after scope withdrawal to prevent organic material from drying and adhering to channels, which makes subsequent cleaning much more difficult.
Question 7: What is the minimum number of times a brush must be passed through each channel during manual cleaning?
- Until the brush emerges visibly clean (Correct answer)
- Twice
- Three times
- Five times
Correct answer: Until the brush emerges visibly clean
Brushing must continue until the brush emerges clean and free of visible debris, regardless of the number of passes required.
CER Endoscope Reprocessing Fundamentals 2
What is the correct order of the Spaulding Classification levels from lowest to highest risk?