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Bacteriologic testing of endoscopes after high-level disinfection
Stanislav Rejchrt1, Pavel Cermák, Ludmila Pavlatová
1Clinical Centre, 2nd Department of Medicine, Charles University Teaching Hospital, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|July 2, 2004
Summary
High-level disinfection of endoscopes remains effective for up to 5 days when stored properly in dust-proof cabinets. This suggests that reprocessing may not be necessary if guidelines are followed.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Reprocessing
- Microbiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on the microbiologic safety of prolonged endoscope storage post-disinfection.
- This study assesses the durability of high-level disinfection for endoscopes stored for 5 days.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the microbiologic safety of endoscopes stored for 5 days after high-level disinfection.
- To determine if reprocessing is required before each use.
Main Methods:
- Three endoscope types underwent decontamination, manual cleaning, and automated high-level disinfection.
- Reprocessed endoscopes were stored in dust-proof cabinets for 5 days.
- Bacteriologic samples were collected daily from surfaces and channels; channel samples were also flushed and brushed post-storage.
Main Results:
- All endoscopes were sterile immediately after disinfection.
- Only 4 of 135 samples showed contamination (skin bacteria on surfaces).
- All accessory channel flush-through samples remained sterile.
Conclusions:
- Strict adherence to reprocessing guidelines and proper storage ensures endoscope safety for up to 5 days.
- Reprocessing may not be necessary before each use under these conditions.