Risks of Virus Transmission During Diagnostic Hysteroscopy

The high frequency of asymptomatic carriers of viral infections represents a major risk for transmission. Viral agents can be transmitted through blood or biologic fluids during diagnostic hysteroscopy. Routine disinfection methods to clean hysteroscopes cannot be considered adequate to prevent transmission. Hepatitis C and B viruses require 1-hour sterilization in glutaric aldehyde or gas sterilization (ethylene oxide) to be decontaminated. Human immunodeficiency virus decontamination of instruments is easier and safer. Blood test screening of patients positive for hepatitis B and C should be performed in all candidates for endoscopic gynecologic procedures to avoid the possibility of virus transmission.