Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques flashcards as text
Which standardized brushing technique is required when manually cleaning the biopsy channel of a flexible endoscope?
Answer: Brush until the brush emerges clean, passing the brush through at least twice from each end
The biopsy channel must be brushed until the brush emerges visually clean, requiring multiple passes from each end to mechanically dislodge debris from the full length of the channel.
What is the recommended action when a duodenoscope's elevator mechanism shows visible debris after manual cleaning?
Answer: Re-clean and brush the elevator recess per manufacturer IFU; do not advance until visually clean
The elevator mechanism is a high-risk area for retained debris and has been linked to patient outbreaks; it must be re-cleaned per IFU until visually clean before advancing to HLD.
In the context of endoscope reprocessing, what does 'MEC' stand for and why is it important?
Answer: Minimum effective concentration — the lowest concentration at which a disinfectant achieves its labeled claims
MEC is the minimum effective concentration below which a disinfectant no longer achieves its labeled high-level disinfection claims; testing before each use prevents use of a depleted solution.
Which statement about single-use endoscopy accessories is correct from an infection control perspective?
Answer: Single-use accessories must never be reprocessed and must be discarded after a single patient use
Single-use accessories are cleared by the FDA for one patient use only; reprocessing them is not permitted without specific 510(k) clearance for reuse, as it creates infection and device-failure risks.
A quality review reveals that an AER failed to complete its rinse cycle on 3 scopes used earlier in the day. What is the immediate priority?
Answer: Notify the infection control team, identify and notify the patients, and quarantine the scopes for full reprocessing evaluation
An incomplete rinse cycle constitutes a reprocessing failure and a potential patient safety event; infection control must be notified, affected patients identified for follow-up, and scopes fully re-evaluated.
When alcohol flushing is performed as the last step before scope storage, what is its primary purpose?
Answer: To accelerate drying by displacing water from internal channels, reducing microbial growth during storage
Flushing channels with 70–90% isopropyl alcohol displaces water and evaporates quickly, significantly accelerating drying and reducing the residual moisture that supports microbial growth during storage.
Which of the following best describes the 'chain of infection' as it applies to an endoscopy unit?
Answer: The linked elements — infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host — that must all be present for infection to occur
The chain of infection consists of six interconnected links; breaking any single link (e.g., through thorough reprocessing or proper PPE) prevents transmission of infection.