100+ Free CFER Practice Questions

Leak testing identifies channel/sheath perforations before fluid invasion can damage the scope further. If a leak is detected, the scope is removed from service and sent for repair — manually scrubbing a leaking scope drives contaminated fluid into internal components, often requiring expensive repair or replacement. Underwater inspection is required to visualize bubbles indicating the leak location.

Cidex OPA (0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde) requires 12 minutes at 20°C (68°F) for manual HLD per FDA labeling; some AERs are validated for 5-minute contact at higher temperatures. OPA does not require activation, has lower vapor exposure than glutaraldehyde, but stains skin/clothing/surfaces gray. Always verify MEC (minimum effective concentration) with test strips before each cycle or per IFU.

Per AORN 2024 and SGNA guidelines, properly reprocessed flexible endoscopes stored in HEPA-filtered drying cabinets with 70-90% IPA-flushed dry channels may hang up to 31 days before reprocessing is required again. Some facility policies use shorter intervals (7-14 days). Inadequately dried channels harbor biofilm — drying is as important as disinfection.

Plan 40-60 hours over 6-8 weeks. Master AAMI ST91 (the primary standard for flexible endoscope reprocessing), the FDA 2015 duodenoscope outbreak response (enhanced surveillance, double HLD or sterilization), HLD chemistry contact times, AER operation, and the 31-day storage rule. Hands-on observation of leak testing and AER cycles reinforces the written content.