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Sampling methods for flexible endoscopes without a working channel: a scoping review.
Yana Halmans1, David Wellenstein1, Joost Hopman2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, P/O Box 9101, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|April 21, 2025
Summary
Assessing microbiological contamination on flexible endoscopes (FEs) without a working channel is crucial. Immersion, wiping, and swabbing techniques can detect contamination, but further research is needed to determine the optimal method for FEs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endoscopy
- Infection Control
Background:
- Flexible endoscopes (FEs) without working channels risk contamination during diagnostic laryngoscopy.
- Microbiological surveillance is vital for ensuring adequate reprocessing of FEs.
- Current knowledge on the most accurate sampling techniques for FE surface contamination is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of research on sampling techniques for FEs without a working channel.
- To identify frequently used sampling techniques for microbiological contamination assessment.
- To determine the most effective method for assessing microbiological contamination on FEs.
Main Methods:
- Searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases.
- Extracted data on sampling techniques and bacterial contamination.
- Included 12 studies out of 378 initially identified.
Main Results:
- Immersion, swabbing, and wiping were identified as sampling techniques.
- Immersion and wiping effectively detected bacterial contamination on FEs.
- Swabbing showed variable results in detecting contamination, even after disinfection.
Conclusions:
- Immersion, wiping, and swabbing can detect microbiological contamination on FEs without working channels.
- Significant gaps exist in the literature regarding optimal sampling techniques.
- Further research is necessary to establish the best sampling technique(s) for FEs without working channels.
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