Leak testing a flexible endoscope

CRCST practice question · Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection

A technician receives a flexible endoscope for reprocessing. What step must be done before the endoscope is immersed in cleaning solution?

  • A. Run the endoscope through a steam sterilization cycle
  • B. Soak the endoscope in a high-level disinfectant to make it safe
  • C. Dry all channels with compressed air before the cleaning step
  • D. Perform a leak test as directed by the manufacturer's IFU

Answer

D. Perform a leak test as directed by the manufacturer's IFU

A leak test checks for damage to the endoscope's internal channels or outer covering. If a leak exists, immersion can let fluid into the internal parts and cause serious damage, and a damaged scope cannot be reliably reprocessed. High-level disinfection comes after manual cleaning, not before.

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