Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) Practice Test 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Maintaining the integrity of the cleaning process until disinfection is critically linked to keeping the endoscope submerged in a solution. Submerging the endoscope ensures that all surfaces are fully covered by the cleaning solution, preventing contaminants from drying onto the surfaces and maintaining a wet environment that is vital for effective cleaning. This is particularly important because any residual organic material or biofilm that is allowed to dry can significantly hinder subsequent disinfection processes, as disinfection agents may not be able to penetrate effectively.

In contrast, allowing the endoscope to air dry could lead to drying of contaminants, making them more difficult to remove later. Consistent temperature control is also important in the disinfection process, but it does not directly relate to the maintenance of cleaning integrity until disinfection. Immediate air purging of channels is a crucial step in the drying phase post-cleaning but does not help maintain integrity during the critical cleaning period itself.