Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

What is the high-level disinfection requirement for endoscopes if not used after 72 hours?

1. Immediate sterilization

2. Retest for contamination

3. Re-disinfect

4. Store in a dry environment

The correct answer is: Re-disinfect

High-level disinfection is critical for reprocessing endoscopes that have been used in invasive procedures. When an endoscope has not been used for a period exceeding 72 hours, it is necessary to ensure that it is free of pathogens before it can be utilized again. The rationale behind the requirement to re-disinfect stems from the fact that even after initial disinfection, the risk of microbial growth can increase over time if the scopes are not maintained in a sterile environment. Re-disinfection ensures that any potential contamination that could have occurred during storage or transport is adequately addressed, thereby minimizing the risk of infection to patients. This reprocessing step is essential in maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in the operating room or any clinical setting where endoscopes are utilized. In contrast, immediate sterilization may not always be necessary if proper disinfection procedures were followed earlier, while retesting for contamination could be impractical and could delay reprocessing. Storing in a dry environment is a good practice but does not negate the need for re-disinfection after an extended period of non-use. Thus, re-disinfection is the most effective and required approach to ensure patient safety and equipment integrity in this scenario.