A recent found the process healthcare facilities use to clean and sterilize ureteroscopes leaves the instruments contaminated with debris, residue and bacteria, according to an article on the Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality website.
The study was presented at the recent 44th Annual Conference of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
Researchers sampled 16 ureteroscopes used in two facilities after the instruments were treated with hydrogen peroxide gas.
"APIC is concerned that the techniques used in the field are insufficient and that current methods in place are introducing more contamination with the reprocessing of each scope," Linda Greene, RN, 2017 APIC president, said in the article.
Avoiding Mistakes in Healthcare Site Selection
Can Rural Hospitals Be Saved?
Ascension Saint Thomas Breaks Ground on Hospital and Health Campus in Tennessee
The Hidden Risks of QAC Disinfectants in Healthcare Facilities
Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety