Endoscope channel drying, storage, and conditions after reprocessing: How safe are they in clinical practice?

N B Garcia; A C Oliveira

doi:10.1016/j.rgmxen.2023.06.004

Endoscope channel drying, storage, and conditions after reprocessing: How safe are they in clinical practice?

Rev Gastroenterol Mex (Engl Ed). 2024 Apr 20:S2255-534X(24)00031-8. doi: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2023.06.004. Online ahead of print.

Authors

N B Garcia¹, A C Oliveira²

Affiliations

¹ Escuela de Enfermería, Universidad Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address: bussolottin@gmail.com.
² Escuela de Enfermería, Universidad Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

PMID: 38644085
DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2023.06.004

Abstract

Introduction and aims: Adequate drying and proper storage of flexible endoscopes are essential for maintaining quality in their reprocessing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the drying stages, storage, and channel conditions of endoscopes through borescope inspection.

Material and methods: The personnel responsible for endoscope reprocessing were interviewed. Storage conditions at 10 endoscopy facilities were inspected and an internal examination of the channels and ports of the stored equipment was carried out, utilizing a borescope. A total of 74 stored endoscope channels were evaluated.

Results: Only 10% of the facilities inspected utilized transport cases for storage and only 10% had rooms exclusively used for storage. Sixty percent of the facilities did not perform any shelf-life control. All the channels evaluated were scratched and fluids were present on 69% of them.

Conclusions: Endoscope reprocessing can be improved through the implementation of drying and storage control and validation tools, as well as the use of borescopes and periodic clinical audits.

Keywords: Almacenamiento; Contaminación de equipo; Endoscopios gastrointestinales; Equipment contamination; Gastrointestinal endoscopes; Storage.