Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques Flashcards

What is the main goal of infection control in endoscopy?

Answer: Prevent cross-contamination

The main goal of infection control in endoscopy is paramount: to prevent cross-contamination between patients, healthcare workers, and the environment. This is achieved through stringent protocols for cleaning, high-level disinfection or sterilization of endoscopes and accessories, proper handling of contaminated materials, and adherence to universal precautions. Effective infection control ensures patient safety and minimizes the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Which chemical is commonly used for high-level disinfection of endoscopes?

Answer: Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde is a widely used chemical agent for high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive medical devices, including endoscopes. It is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While effective, its use requires careful handling due to its potential toxicity and the need for proper ventilation and personal protective equipment.

Why must endoscopes be pre-cleaned immediately after use?

Answer: To prevent drying of debris

Pre-cleaning immediately after use is crucial because organic material like blood, tissue, and mucus can quickly dry and adhere to the endoscope's surfaces and channels. Once dried, this debris becomes significantly harder to remove, potentially compromising the effectiveness of subsequent cleaning and disinfection steps and increasing the risk of microbial contamination.

What is the final step in reprocessing an endoscope?

Answer: Drying and storing properly

After thorough cleaning and high-level disinfection, the final critical step is drying the endoscope, both externally and internally, using filtered air or alcohol. Proper drying prevents the growth of residual microorganisms in any moisture, and then the scope must be stored correctly in a vertical, hanging position to maintain its dry state and prevent recontamination until its next use.

What is the correct order of endoscope reprocessing?

Answer: Pre-clean, disinfect, rinse, dry, store

The correct order of endoscope reprocessing is a multi-step process designed to ensure patient safety. It begins with immediate pre-cleaning to remove gross debris, followed by thorough manual cleaning, then high-level disinfection to kill microorganisms, a final rinse to remove disinfectant residue, and finally drying and proper storage to prevent recontamination.

Which area of the endoscope must be flushed during cleaning?

Answer: Biopsy and suction channels

The biopsy and suction channels are internal lumens within the endoscope that come into direct contact with patient fluids and tissues during a procedure. These narrow, intricate channels are particularly prone to retaining organic debris and microorganisms, making their thorough flushing and brushing absolutely essential during cleaning to prevent biofilm formation and ensure effective disinfection.

How often should reusable endoscopes be reprocessed?

Answer: After each use

Reusable endoscopes must be reprocessed after every single patient use to prevent cross-contamination. Even if a scope appears clean, microscopic organisms and patient fluids can remain, necessitating a full reprocessing cycle of cleaning, disinfection, and drying to ensure it is safe for the next patient.

What is a key reason to document the sterilization process?

Answer: To ensure traceability and compliance

Documenting the sterilization or high-level disinfection process for endoscopes is vital for patient safety and regulatory compliance. This documentation creates a traceable record of which scope was used on which patient, when it was reprocessed, and by whom, allowing for investigation in case of infection and demonstrating adherence to reprocessing guidelines.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required during endoscope cleaning?

Answer: Gown, gloves, face shield

During endoscope cleaning, technicians are exposed to potentially infectious body fluids and harsh chemicals. Wearing a fluid-resistant gown, chemical-resistant gloves, and a face shield (or eye protection and mask) is essential to protect against splashes, aerosols, and direct contact, minimizing the risk of exposure and infection.