Duodenoscope reprocessing practice patterns in U.S. endoscopy centers: a survey study

After recent outbreaks of duodenoscope-related infections from multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO), the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended implementing 1 or more of 4 enhanced reprocessing measures in addition to updated manual cleaning methods and high-level disinfection (HLD). The implementation of these techniques in endoscopy facilities and provider opinions regarding reprocessing priorities remain unknown.

Physicians, nurse managers, nurses, and infection control staff at endoscopy units performing ERCP in the United States were surveyed to assess current institutional practices and individual opinions regarding future reprocessing solutions.

A total of 249 distinct institutions participated in the survey. Of these, 223 (89.6%) implemented at least 1 of the 4 supplemental reprocessing methods after MDRO outbreaks. Overall, 63% of centers used repeat HLD, 53% performed surveillance microbiological culturing, 35% used liquid chemical sterilization, and 12% used ethylene oxide sterilization. Thirty-seven centers (15%) routinely screened patients for MDRO. Forced-air drying after reprocessing was used by 47.8% of centers. Fifty percent of individual respondents, including 58.6% of physicians, believed that redesign of the duodenoscope is the best long-term reprocessing solution. The majority (55.1%) identified efficacy to be the single most important factor in selecting a reprocessing technique.

Although most endoscopy centers have implemented enhanced duodenoscope reprocessing techniques, there is a large variation in practice. Most providers believe that duodenoscope redesign and identifying reprocessing techniques with maximal efficacy are the long-term priorities. Improved adherence to forced-air drying in duodenoscope reprocessing is needed.