CER Automated Endoscope Reprocessors

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER)?

Accepted Answer

To automate the high-level disinfection and rinsing cycle for endoscopes

Answer

To perform manual brushing of endoscope channels

Answer

To sterilize endoscopes using ethylene oxide gas

Answer

To store cleaned endoscopes in a sterile environment

Question 2

Before placing an endoscope into an AER, which step must always be completed first?

Accepted Answer

Manual cleaning and leak testing

Answer

Drying all channels with forced air

Answer

Immersing the scope in sterile water

Answer

Applying a high-level disinfectant manually

Question 3

Which document provides the primary guidance for validating AER cycles for endoscope reprocessing in the US?

Accepted Answer

ANSI/AAMI ST91

Answer

CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities

Answer

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030

Answer

EPA registration label for chemical germicides

Question 4

When connecting an endoscope to an AER, which action is most critical for ensuring effective channel reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

Attaching all channel connectors according to the manufacturer's IFU

Answer

Setting the water temperature above 60°C

Answer

Running the AER on the longest available cycle

Answer

Using distilled water instead of tap water for dilution

Question 5

What is the recommended action when an AER cycle is interrupted before completion?

Accepted Answer

Repeat the full reprocessing cycle from manual cleaning

Answer

Resume the cycle from where it stopped

Answer

Remove the scope and use it if the disinfection phase was completed

Answer

Perform a quick rinse and proceed with the scope

Question 6

How often should AER water filters typically be replaced?

Accepted Answer

According to the AER manufacturer's recommended schedule in the IFU

Answer

Only when the machine displays an error

Answer

Once per year regardless of use volume

Answer

Every 90 days for all AER models

Question 7

Which type of water is recommended for the final rinse step in most AERs to prevent waterborne pathogen contamination?

Accepted Answer

Sterile water or filtered water meeting AAMI quality standards

Answer

Tap water filtered through a 0.45-micron filter

Answer

Distilled water from a commercial source

Answer

Deionized water from a hospital pharmacy