CER Handling, Transport, and Storage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of container is required when transporting a contaminated endoscope from the procedure room to the reprocessing area?
- An open tray lined with absorbent material
- A closed, leak-proof container labeled as biohazard (Correct answer)
- Any covered cart with a lid
- A sterile wrapped package
Correct answer: A closed, leak-proof container labeled as biohazard
Contaminated endoscopes must be transported in a closed, leak-proof container clearly labeled as a biohazard to prevent exposure and cross-contamination.
Question 2: After reprocessing is complete, how should a flexible endoscope be positioned for drying and storage?
- Coiled tightly in a drawer to save space
- Hung vertically in a ventilated cabinet (Correct answer)
- Laid flat in a sealed plastic bag
- Stored in the original manufacturer packaging
Correct answer: Hung vertically in a ventilated cabinet
Flexible endoscopes should be hung vertically in a ventilated, dedicated storage cabinet to allow complete drying and prevent moisture accumulation.
Question 3: What is the primary reason endoscopes should NEVER be transported in the same container as soiled linens or other contaminated materials?
- It violates OSHA bloodborne pathogen regulations (Correct answer)
- It risks physical damage to the scope
- It could trigger a fire hazard
- It is only prohibited if the endoscope is unsheathed
Correct answer: It violates OSHA bloodborne pathogen regulations
OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards prohibit co-mingling contaminated patient-care items with other materials to prevent cross-contamination and occupational exposure.
Question 4: A transport container used for contaminated endoscopes must be decontaminated:
- Only if visibly soiled
- After every use, before transporting another item (Correct answer)
- Weekly during scheduled equipment cleaning
- Only when directed by infection control
Correct answer: After every use, before transporting another item
Transport containers must be decontaminated after every use to prevent the transfer of microorganisms to subsequently transported items.
Question 5: When transporting a reprocessed endoscope to a storage area, which action best prevents recontamination?
- Using the same cart used to bring the dirty scope from the procedure room
- Wrapping the scope in a sterile drape
- Using a dedicated clean transport container or cart separate from dirty transport (Correct answer)
- Carrying the scope by hand in a sterile gloved hand
Correct answer: Using a dedicated clean transport container or cart separate from dirty transport
Reprocessed endoscopes must be transported on clean, dedicated equipment separated from dirty transport pathways to prevent recontamination.
Question 6: What information should be recorded when an endoscope is placed into storage after reprocessing?
- Only the scope model number
- The date and time of reprocessing, technician ID, and storage location (Correct answer)
- The patient procedure information only
- The reprocessing chemical brand name
Correct answer: The date and time of reprocessing, technician ID, and storage location
Documenting the date/time of reprocessing, technician ID, and storage location supports traceability and ensures scopes are used within recommended timeframes.
Question 7: Which staff member is responsible for ensuring endoscopes are transported safely between the procedure room and reprocessing area?
- Only the endoscope reprocessor on duty
- Any clinical or support staff trained in safe scope transport procedures (Correct answer)
- The supervising physician only
- The hospital infection control officer
Correct answer: Any clinical or support staff trained in safe scope transport procedures
Any staff member who transports endoscopes must be trained in safe transport procedures; responsibility is not limited to the reprocessor alone.
CER Handling, Transport, and Storage 2
Which type of container is required when transporting a contaminated endoscope from the procedure room to the reprocessing area?