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Does the endoscope control head need to be disinfected between examinations?
G M Sobala1, C Lincoln, A T Axon
1Gastroenterology Unit, General Infirmary, Leeds.
Endoscopy
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Endoscope control heads can become contaminated during procedures like gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. A simple disinfection method using detergent, alcohol, and chlorhexidine effectively cleans these potential sources of cross-infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Disinfection
Background:
- Endoscopic procedures like gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy are essential diagnostic tools.
- Contamination of medical equipment, particularly endoscopes, poses a significant risk for healthcare-associated infections.
- The control head of endoscopes is a frequently handled component, raising concerns about its potential role in pathogen transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of contamination on endoscope control heads after gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a straightforward disinfection protocol for endoscope control heads.
Main Methods:
- Assessed contamination rates of endoscope control heads during 17 gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy procedures.
- Artificially contaminated control heads were subjected to a disinfection process involving scrubbing with detergent and wiping with 70% isopropyl alcohol and 2% chlorhexidine swabs.
Main Results:
- Contamination of endoscope control heads was observed in 4 out of the 17 examinations conducted.
- The disinfection technique proved effective in adequately disinfecting heavily contaminated control heads.
Conclusions:
- Endoscope control heads can become contaminated during routine endoscopic examinations.
- The evaluated disinfection method is effective in eliminating contamination from endoscope control heads.
- Endoscope control heads should be considered a potential source of cross-infection and must be included in all cleaning and disinfection protocols.
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