Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) Practice Exam

Cleaning verification testing for high-risk endoscopes should take place each time a high-risk endoscope is processed to ensure thorough cleaning and effective removal of contaminants. This regular testing is crucial because high-risk endoscopes, which are used in procedures involving sterile body cavities or systems, pose a higher risk of infection if not adequately cleaned and reprocessed.

Implementing cleaning verification testing for every processed high-risk endoscope allows healthcare facilities to maintain the highest standards of infection control and patient safety. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of transmitting infections and ensures that the endoscopes are safe for use before they are utilized on patients.

Regarding the other options, conducting testing only at the end of each day would not sufficiently ensure that each endoscope is adequately cleaned before being reused on patients. Testing only if contamination is suspected lacks a systematic approach to infection prevention, potentially allowing contaminated equipment to be used. Allowing testing at the discretion of the cleaning staff can lead to inconsistencies and variability in practice, which is not in line with best practices and patient safety protocols.