Course Code: REL-ACU-0-CSFER
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Describe the steps and supplemental measures required to safely reprocess flexible endoscopes.
Recognize the risks of infection and equipment damage that result from improper or incomplete endoscope reprocessing.
Identify best practices for storing flexible endoscopes and documenting each reprocessing cycle for traceability.
Outline:
Section 1: Consequences of Faulty Endoscope Reprocessing
When Reprocessing Is Not Enough
Why This Matters
How Design and Use Affect Reprocessing
Consequences of Improper Reprocessing
The Impact of Design on Reprocessing Outcomes
Endoscope Handling Basics
Understanding Endoscope Design
Marisol’s Story Continued
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Endoscope Reprocessing Basics
Reprocessing Requirements and the Spaulding Classification System
Spaulding Classification Categories
Reprocessing Challenges with Flexible Endoscopes
Why Flexible Endoscopes Are Difficult to Reprocess
Clarifying SPD Responsibilities
Scope Transport Within SPD
Handling Delays in Reprocessing
Set Up of Decontamination and Clean Areas
Personal Protective Equipment
Required PPE For Endoscope Reprocessing
Marisol’s Story Continued
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Steps of Endoscope Reprocessing
Steps of Endoscope Reprocessing
Step 1: Precleaning at Point-of-Use
Step 2: Leak Testing
Step 3: Manual Cleaning
Marisol’s Story Continued
Step 4: Visual Inspection
Step 5: Disinfection or Sterilization
Step 6: Storage
Step 7: Documentation
Marisol’s Story Continued
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Storage, Documentation, and Reprocessing Breaches
Storage and Hang-Time Practices
General Storage Guidelines
Storage Cabinet Maintenance and Environmental Monitoring
Documentation
Required Reprocessing Records
Reprocessing Breaches
Marisol’s Story Continued
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Reprocessing Challenges and Strategies for Duodenoscopes
Understanding the Challenges with Duodenoscopes
FDA-Recommended Reprocessing Best Practices
Quality Assurance and Staff Competency
Supplemental Reprocessing Measures
Single-Use (Disposable) Duodenoscopes
Making the Right Choice
Marisol’s Story Continued
Key Takeaways
Section 6: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Information
Course Contributor
References
Subject Matter Expert: Brandy Verton, BSN, RN, CNOR
Brandy is a certified perioperative nurse with a background in both scrub and circulator roles across a variety of surgical specialties. She earned her BSN with summa cum laude honors from Capella University and has served as a Surgical Services Clinical Educator and Periop 101 instructor. Her early clinical experience on a postoperative and medical-surgical overflow unit shaped her commitment to patient-centered care and team collaboration. Throughout her career, she has contributed to hospital committees and process improvement efforts focused on safety, education, and quality outcomes. Brandy is passionate about creating practical, real-world education that helps clinicians feel supported in their work, build confidence in their skills, and continue delivering safe, effective care.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Central Sterile Personnel; in the following settings: Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)/Outpatient Surgical Centers, Hospitals: Acute, Hospitals: Critical Access (CAHs).
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.