A shift in the way endoscopes are reprocessed — from high-level disinfection — to steam sterilization is being urged, according to an article on the Outpatient Surgery website.
With so many places where bacteria can hide, flexible endoscopes might be the hardest instruments to clean. Even if techs follow manufacturers' instructions and professional guidelines for reprocessing, there's a chance that contaminants can be missed.
Today's reprocessing guidelines and practices may not be enough to curb GI scope-related outbreaks.
Some are now calling for a shift in scope reprocessing from high-level disinfection to steam sterilization.
Barriers to Infection: Rethinking Mattress Cleaning
Over 1 Million Individuals Affected in Community Health Center Data Breach
Prospect Medical Holdings to Sell Crozer Health to Non-Profit Consortium
The Top States for Pest Infestations
Ground Broken on Wichita Biomedical Campus Project