Question

Which of the following methods should a medical assistant use when storing a disinfected endoscope?

1) Hang it vertically in a designated storage area
2) Store it horizontally on a clean surface
3) Place it in a drawer with other medical instruments
4) Store it in the same container as other disinfected instruments

Answer 1

To store a disinfected endoscope, it should be hung vertically in a designated area, allowing for drainage and minimizing contamination risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

When storing a disinfected endoscope, a medical assistant should hang it vertically in a designated storage area. This storage method is recommended to ensure that any residual moisture can drain, and to minimize the risk of recontamination. Placing a disinfected endoscope horizontally on a surface, in a drawer with other instruments, or in the same container with other disinfected instruments is not advisable due to potential contamination risks.

Given the complex nature of endoscopes and the difficulty to disinfect certain parts of the device, such as the elevator mechanism in a duodenoscope, it is critical to follow strict guidelines for storage after the meticulous disinfection process to prevent the risk of infections such as CRE outbreaks. This adherence to guidelines also applies to proper documentation of disinfection protocols and the continuous effort to improve sterilization techniques and equipment design.