CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

A reprocessor notes that there is a significant delay between patient use and the start of manual cleaning for a batch of colonoscopes.
This delay significantly increases the risk of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Biofilm formation

Answer

Corrosion of the insertion tube

Answer

Ineffectiveness of leak testing

Answer

Detergent degradation

Question 2

According to the Spaulding Classification system, how are flexible endoscopes, which contact mucous membranes, categorized?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical

Answer

Critical

Answer

Non-critical

Answer

Low-risk

Question 3

Which of the following is a critical consideration when reprocessing a flexible endoscope used on a patient with a suspected prion disease, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)?

Accepted Answer

Prions are highly resistant to conventional reprocessing methods.

Answer

Standard high-level disinfection is sufficient to inactivate prions.

Answer

Alcohol flushes are effective at neutralizing prion proteins.

Answer

The endoscope can be returned to general circulation after a single standard reprocessing cycle.

Question 4

A reprocessing technician is performing manual high-level disinfection (HLD). Which of the following is MOST crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the process?

Accepted Answer

Strict adherence to the disinfectant manufacturer's specified contact time and temperature.

Answer

Ensuring the room has a high air exchange rate.

Answer

Using warm water to rinse the endoscope after disinfection.

Answer

Wearing double gloves throughout the immersion process.

Question 5

A technician observes a coworker skipping hand hygiene between handling a soiled endoscope and touching a clean, reprocessed endoscope. This action represents a failure to break which link in the chain of infection?

Accepted Answer

Mode of transmission

Answer

Infectious agent

Answer

Reservoir

Answer

Portal of entry

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of conducting routine microbiological surveillance testing on reprocessed endoscopes and automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs)?

Accepted Answer

To act as a quality control measure to verify the overall effectiveness of the reprocessing protocol.

Answer

To verify the sterility of every endoscope before patient use.

Answer

To identify the specific brand of cleaning detergent that works best.

Answer

To determine the endoscope's remaining useful life before it needs replacement.

A reprocessor notes that there is a significant delay between patient use and the start of manual cleaning for a batch of colonoscopes.This delay significantly increases the risk of which of the following?

A reprocessor notes that there is a significant delay between patient use and the start of manual cleaning for a batch of colonoscopes.
This delay significantly increases the risk of which of the following?