CER Scope Inspection and Testing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During pre-cleaning inspection, a technician notices the insertion tube has a slight spiral twist. What is the correct action?
- Continue reprocessing and document the finding
- Immediately remove from service and notify the biomedical department (Correct answer)
- Straighten the tube manually before proceeding
- Disinfect normally but flag for next scheduled maintenance
Correct answer: Immediately remove from service and notify the biomedical department
A spiral twist in the insertion tube indicates internal channel or coil damage and the scope must be removed from service pending inspection by a qualified repair technician.
Question 2: Which tool is used to verify that suction and biopsy channel lumens meet the minimum diameter specification during scope inspection?
- Channel flushing adaptor
- Leak tester manometer
- Channel diameter gauge or brush compatibility chart (Correct answer)
- Ocular diopter adjuster
Correct answer: Channel diameter gauge or brush compatibility chart
A channel diameter gauge or the manufacturer's brush compatibility chart is used to confirm lumen diameter is within specification so correct-sized brushes can be selected.
Question 3: When performing a leak test on a videoscope, the endoscope must be tested:
- Dry, before any contact with water or cleaning solution (Correct answer)
- After enzymatic soaking to ensure channels are patent
- Submerged with the water-resistant cap removed
- Only after high-level disinfection is completed
Correct answer: Dry, before any contact with water or cleaning solution
The leak test must be performed on a dry scope before immersion to detect existing damage before fluids can enter and worsen internal damage.
Question 4: A steady stream of bubbles rising from the universal cord during a leak test most likely indicates:
- Normal gas release from residual cleaning solution
- A breach in the outer sheath of the universal cord (Correct answer)
- Excessive pressure applied by the leak tester
- Air trapped in the suction channel
Correct answer: A breach in the outer sheath of the universal cord
Continuous bubbling from the universal cord during a leak test indicates a breach in the outer sheath, allowing pressurized air to escape into water.
Question 5: What is the purpose of bending the insertion tube in all four directions during the functional inspection?
- To clear debris from angulation wires
- To verify angulation wire and control wheel integrity (Correct answer)
- To check the water-jet channel for blockages
- To confirm light transmission through the fiber bundle
Correct answer: To verify angulation wire and control wheel integrity
Flexing in all directions tests the angulation wires, control wheels, and bending section for damage that may restrict full tip deflection.
Question 6: Which of the following findings during visual inspection would NOT typically require immediate removal from service?
- A crack in the distal tip housing
- Minor surface scratches on the insertion tube with no breach (Correct answer)
- Bent or damaged instrument channel port
- Bubbling from the bending section during leak test
Correct answer: Minor surface scratches on the insertion tube with no breach
Minor surface scratches that do not breach the outer sheath do not compromise scope integrity, though they should be documented and monitored.
Question 7: After reprocessing, an endoscope is found to have a dried, whitish residue inside the instrument channel. This most likely indicates:
- Inadequate flushing of cleaning solution or disinfectant (Correct answer)
- Normal mineral deposits from the water-jet function
- Proper enzymatic action during cleaning
- High-level disinfectant crystallization — safe to use
Correct answer: Inadequate flushing of cleaning solution or disinfectant
Dried white residue in channels typically results from inadequate flushing, leaving detergent or disinfectant residue that can harm patients.
CER Scope Inspection and Testing 2
During pre-cleaning inspection, a technician notices the insertion tube has a slight spiral twist.
What is the correct action?