Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) Practice Exam

After high-level disinfection, it is important that endoscopes are allowed to dry properly before being reused. The recommended drying time is generally 10 minutes. This duration is crucial because adequate drying helps to prevent moisture retention, which can create an environment conducive to microbial growth and compromise the sterility of the endoscope when it is next used.

Drying for the correct duration not only ensures that residual disinfectants do not remain on the endoscope's surfaces, which could potentially harm patients, but it also contributes to the overall effectiveness of the reprocessing cycle. While shorter drying times might not allow for complete evaporation of any residual moisture, longer times may not be necessary and can lead to inefficiencies in workflow.

The proper protocol emphasizes the importance of following the established drying times as per manufacturer guidelines and institutional policies, which typically advocate for a duration of around 10 minutes to strike a balance between effectiveness and efficiency.