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Plasma-activated water: a new and effective alternative for duodenoscope reprocessing

Gheorghe G Bălan1, Irina Roşca2, Elena-Laura Ursu2

  • 1Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania.

Infection and Drug Resistance
|May 31, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Plasma activated water (PAW) effectively disinfects duodenoscopes against multidrug-resistant bacteria without damaging the material. This study shows PAW is a viable alternative for reprocessing medical equipment.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Infectious Disease Control

Background:

  • Duodenoscopes are critical for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography but linked to multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
  • Plasma activated water (PAW) shows promise for medical equipment disinfection.
  • Concerns exist regarding the compatibility of duodenoscopes with repeated PAW use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the suitability of current duodenoscopes for repeated PAW reprocessing.
  • To evaluate the disinfection efficacy of PAW against common pathogens found on duodenoscopes.

Main Methods:

  • Duodenoscopes were contaminated with resistant bacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa).
  • Samples underwent repeated exposure to PAW (30 minutes daily for 45 days) to test material compatibility.
  • Bacterial reduction and material integrity (morphology, elemental composition) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • PAW treatment for 30 minutes achieved significant bacterial reduction, indicating high-level disinfection.
  • Repeated PAW exposure did not cause significant changes in the duodenoscope polymer's surface morphology.
  • Elemental composition of the polymer remained unchanged after repeated PAW treatments.

Conclusions:

  • PAW demonstrates high-level disinfection efficacy for duodenoscopes.
  • Duodenoscope materials are compatible with repeated PAW reprocessing.
  • PAW presents a promising new alternative for duodenoscope reprocessing.
Keywords:
PAWantibacterial activitydisinfectionduodenoscope

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