Gastrointestinal endoscope disinfection practices in India: results of a national survey

A questionnaire was sent to 435 endoscopy centers in the country to obtain information regarding current endoscopic disinfection practices. Of these, 133 (30.6%) centers responded. Adequate disinfection (a minimum exposure to 1% glutaraldehyde for 2 minutes) before the start of endoscopy sessions and between procedures was practised in 61 (46%) and 45 (34%) centers respectively. The proportion of centers practising adequate disinfection was similar among those performing < 1500 and > 1500 endoscopies/year (50% vs 36%; p = ns). Twenty two (17%) centers used some additional precautions in patients with hepatitis B virus infection or immunocompromised states. Two (1.5%) of the 133 centers performing upper GI endoscopies and eight (18%) of the 44 centers performing ERCP examinations reported occurrence of infections following these procedures. Allergic reactions to disinfectants were reported by five (4%) centers. We conclude that only about a third of the gastroenterology centers in the country are practising adequate endoscope disinfection routinely.