Comparison of two endoscope channel cleaning approaches to remove cyclic build-up biofilm

L Moshkanbaryans ¹, V Shah ², L Y Tan ³

⁰Medical Affairs, Nanosonics Ltd, Sydney, Australia.

The Journal of Hospital Infection +

|

June 3, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Automated endoscope channel cleaners (AECC) significantly outperform manual cleaning in removing biofilm from all endoscope channels. This improved cleaning may reduce patient infection risks associated with endoscopic procedures.

Area Of Science

Medical device cleaning
Infection control
Biofilm eradication

Background

Bacterial biofilm in endoscope channels is a major cause of persistent infections.
Current manual cleaning methods may not effectively remove biofilm from all endoscope channels.
Enhanced cleaning protocols are crucial for reducing patient infection risk.

Purpose Of The Study

To compare the efficacy of an automated endoscope channel cleaner (AECC) against standard manual cleaning for biofilm removal.
To evaluate cleaning performance in different-sized endoscope channels (1.4-mm and 3.7-mm).
To assess residual organic carbon, protein, and viable bacteria after cleaning.

Main Methods

Cyclic build-up biofilm was cultivated in polytetrafluorethylene channels of 1.4-mm and 3.7-mm inner diameters.
Channels were tested for residual total organic carbon, protein, and viable bacteria.
Cleaning benchmarks were based on ISO 15883-5:2021 standards.

Main Results

The AECC demonstrated superior removal of protein, organic carbon, and viable bacteria compared to manual cleaning in both channel sizes.
Manual cleaning failed to effectively remove biofilm from 1.4-mm channels (air/water/auxiliary channels).
This failure in manual cleaning, particularly in non-brushed channels, may explain reported endoscopy-associated infections.

Conclusions

Automated endoscope channel cleaners offer enhanced cleaning performance across all endoscope channels.
AECCs have the potential to significantly improve endoscope hygiene and reduce patient infection risks.
The findings suggest a need to re-evaluate current manual cleaning protocols for endoscopes.

Keywords:

Biofilm Contamination Endoscope Infection Manual cleaning Outbreak

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