To help minimize the risk of endoscopy-related infection transmission, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) issued new guidelines for infection control during endoscopic procedures, according to an article on the Healio website.
The guideline says infections caused by GI endoscopes remain somewhat rare, but they can be attributed to lapses in reprocessing protocols or defective equipment when they do occur.
The ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee’s recommendations include:
• Following all federal and professional organization requirements that require high-level disinfection of endoscopes
• Ensure proper disinfection of duodenoscope elevator mechanism and wire channel to prevent the spread of highly resistant organisms