Endoscopes: pre-clean the unseen

Kerry Dolan provides an insight into the problem of biofilms and discusses why endoscope pre-cleaning is crucial for patient safety.

Pre-cleaning is a fundamental step in an endoscope's reprocessing journey. The pre-clean begins at the bedside post-procedure and should be carried out immediately after the removal of the insertion tube from the patient. Failure to perform this simple task could pose a serious threat to patient safety due to the growth of potentially dangerous, invisible bacteria.

Current UK guidelines recommend that reprocessing flexible endoscopes with lumens is split into three different areas:

1. Manual cleaning — this includes brushing with a single-use cleaning device, rinsing, and exposing external and accessible internal components to a low foaming detergent, which is compatible with the endoscope. This procedure is unstandardised and relies on the competence of the endoscopy unit staff.

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.

Latest Issues

CSC Autumn Study Day 2024

Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC
14th October 2024

BAUN 2024 Annual Conference

ACC, Liverpool
3rd - 5th November 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Belfast

ICC Belfast
9th November 2024

IDSc Annual Conference 2024

Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel
26th - 27th November 2024

IV Forum 2024

Birmingham Conference & Events Centre (BCEC)
Wednesday 4th December 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Leeds

TBA, Leeds
7th December 2024