CER Endoscope Reprocessing Fundamentals Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which organization specifically certifies endoscope reprocessing professionals through the CER credential?

Accepted Answer

IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management)

Answer

APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control)

Answer

CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution)

Answer

The Joint Commission

Question 2

Which federal agency has primary regulatory authority over endoscope reprocessing methods and manufacturers' Instructions for Use?

Accepted Answer

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

Answer

OSHA

Answer

CDC

Answer

CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)

Question 3

What does the term 'high-level disinfectant' mean in the context of endoscope reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

A chemical agent capable of eliminating all microorganisms except bacterial spores in high numbers

Answer

Any detergent used at high concentration

Answer

A sterilization method requiring heat

Answer

A disinfectant cleared specifically for use in the ICU

Question 4

Why is endoscope reprocessing considered 'the highest risk area' of healthcare-associated infection from device reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

Because endoscopes are complex, multi-channel devices with many internal surfaces that cannot be fully visualized and are difficult to clean and disinfect

Answer

Because endoscopes are used more frequently than any other medical device

Answer

Because patients undergoing endoscopy are always immunocompromised

Answer

Because endoscopes contact blood only

Question 5

What is the 'chain of infection' and which link does endoscope reprocessing primarily target?

Accepted Answer

The chain of infection is a model of how infection spreads; reprocessing primarily targets the mode of transmission by eliminating organisms from the contaminated vehicle (endoscope)

Answer

The chain of infection refers to endoscope channel anatomy; reprocessing targets the biopsy channel

Answer

The chain requires a susceptible host; reprocessing targets host immunity

Answer

The chain refers to documentation chains; reprocessing targets documentation

Question 6

What is the recommended minimum number of rinse steps after manual HLD of a flexible endoscope?

Accepted Answer

At least three separate sterile or filtered water rinses of all channels and exterior surfaces per manufacturer IFU

Answer

One rinse with clean water is sufficient

Answer

Only the channels require rinsing; the exterior does not

Answer

Two rinses with tap water are standard