The website of the Clinical Services Journal

Endoscope reprocessing: Why cleaning is vital

Within the healthcare system, an ever increasing number of minimally invasive techniques are now possible. Wolfgang Merkens, Schülke & Mayr GmbH warns that without effective and thorough cleaning, it is not possible to adequately disinfect the endoscope, as disinfection cannot remove gross contamination.

Endoscopic examination offers a simple, lowrisk, and cost-effective means to diagnose and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. During the procedure, the external surface and internal channels of a flexible endoscopes is exposed to bodily fluids and other potential contaminants, meaning that reprocessing  poses particular challenges. 

Unlike rigid endoscopes, flexible endoscopes are heat labile devices and cannot be autoclaved. Most are classed as “semi-critical devices” as they come into contact with mucous membranes during use and present a potential infection risk.1

The decontamination process involves mechanical and detergent cleaning, followed by high-level disinfection, rinsing, and drying.2 The cleaning stage when removal of soil and organic matter is undertaken with a suitable detergent, is essential to the efficacy of the disinfection stage.3

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025