Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques Flashcards

According to SGNA guidelines, what is the maximum time allowed for a reprocessed endoscope to hang in storage before it must be reprocessed again?

Answer: 5–7 days, per facility policy based on validated evidence

SGNA and AORN recommend that facilities establish a hang time based on validated evidence; typically 5–7 days in a properly ventilated cabinet is accepted, but facilities must follow their validated policy.

What distinguishes a high-level disinfectant from a sterilant?

Answer: Sterilants destroy all forms of microbial life; HLD kills most pathogens but may not eliminate high numbers of bacterial spores

Sterilants destroy all microbial life including high levels of spores; HLD eliminates most pathogens but may leave trace spore populations, making sterilization the higher standard.

A colonoscope is classified under Spaulding's classification as which category, requiring which reprocessing level?

Answer: Semi-critical — requires at minimum high-level disinfection

Colonoscopes contact intact mucous membranes and are classified as semi-critical, requiring at minimum high-level disinfection between patient uses.

Which PPE ensemble is required when manually cleaning contaminated flexible endoscopes?

Answer: Gloves, waterproof gown, eye protection, and surgical mask or face shield

Manual cleaning involves aerosolization and splashing of potentially infectious fluids; full PPE including gloves, waterproof gown, eye protection, and mask/face shield is required.

What effect does biofilm formation have on endoscope reprocessing?

Answer: Biofilm protects embedded organisms from disinfectants and increases risk of patient transmission

Biofilm creates a protective matrix that shields embedded microorganisms from disinfectants, making adequate initial cleaning essential to prevent biofilm-related reprocessing failures.

In an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER), what role does the rinse cycle play?

Answer: It removes residual disinfectant that could cause chemical injury to patients or scope components

The rinse cycle removes residual high-level disinfectant from channels and surfaces, preventing chemical burns to mucosal tissue during subsequent patient procedures.

When performing the pre-cleaning step at the point of use, what is the immediate action the technician should take after scope withdrawal from the patient?

Answer: Wipe the insertion tube and suction air/water to flush channels while still at bedside

Immediately after scope withdrawal, the insertion tube is wiped with a moist cloth and channels are flushed with air and water to remove gross debris before biofilm can begin forming.