CER Handling, Transport, and Storage Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What is the maximum recommended storage time for a reprocessed endoscope before it must be reprocessed again?

Accepted Answer

Per manufacturer and facility policy, generally 5–7 days in a validated drying cabinet

Answer

24 hours

Answer

48 hours

Answer

30 days if stored in a sealed bag

Question 2

Which storage method creates the highest risk of endoscope recontamination?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal coiled storage in an enclosed, unventilated cabinet

Answer

Vertical hanging in a HEPA-filtered drying cabinet

Answer

Vertical hanging in a ventilated open cabinet

Answer

Hanging vertically in filtered air with coiled cord

Question 3

What must be done to an endoscope that has been stored beyond the facility's established hang time?

Accepted Answer

Reprocess fully before use

Answer

Wipe the exterior with alcohol and use immediately

Answer

Perform only a distal-tip inspection before use

Answer

Soak in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes

Question 4

Which item should accompany every endoscope during transport to the reprocessing area?

Accepted Answer

A completed patient-to-scope traceability record

Answer

The patient's medical record

Answer

A sterile drape

Answer

A copy of the scope manufacturer's IFU

Question 5

How should endoscope accessories (biopsy forceps, cytology brushes) be managed after use?

Accepted Answer

Single-use accessories must be discarded; reusable accessories must undergo complete reprocessing including sterilization

Answer

Reused for subsequent patients after a water rinse

Answer

Soaked in enzymatic detergent and reused within the same session

Answer

Wiped with a disinfectant wipe and reused

Question 6

What is the purpose of 70% isopropyl alcohol flushing through endoscope channels after high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

To displace water and facilitate drying to prevent microbial proliferation during storage

Answer

To achieve sterilization of the channels

Answer

To neutralize residual chemical disinfectant

Answer

To lubricate the channels for next use