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Contamination of bronchoscopes with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
The Canadian Journal of Infection Control : the Official Journal of the Community & Hospital Infection Control Association-Canada = Revue Canadienne De Prevention Des Infections
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Endoscope disinfection failures can lead to specimen cross-contamination. A mycobacterial outbreak was traced to a faulty washer, emphasizing routine autoclaving of bronchoscope suction valves to prevent contamination.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Safety
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Endoscope disinfection is critical to prevent patient-to-patient transmission of infections.
- Previous reports have documented difficulties in endoscope disinfection and cross-contamination of bronchoscopy specimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a mycobacterial cross-contamination outbreak linked to bronchoscopy procedures.
- To identify the source of contamination and recommend preventative measures.
Main Methods:
- Investigation of a mycobacterial cross-contamination outbreak in a tertiary care center.
- Microbiological culturing of bronchoscope suction valves.
- Identification of the faulty component in the automated endoscope washer.
Main Results:
- Two of eight bronchoscope suction valves tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- The outbreak was traced to a malfunctioning wash/disinfect switch in an automated endoscope washer.
- Autoclaving all suction valves and repairing the washer resolved the outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Instrument design flaws can compromise endoscope disinfection efficacy.
- Routine autoclaving of bronchoscope suction valves after each use is recommended to prevent cross-contamination.
- This incident underscores the importance of rigorous maintenance and validation of automated endoscope reprocessors.