Endoscopes are decontaminated by high-level disinfection using Orthophthaldehyde or peracetic acid. The final rinsing before storage or use on another patient is done with potable water which should be free from waterborne pathogens. We are a Joint Commission International Accredited healthcare facility & on an average 25 patients per day are being evaluated for diagnostic and or therapeutic procedures in the endoscopy procedure room.
Used endoscopes are decontaminated as per our hospital's written policy & procedure between each patient. We from the infection prevention & control services performed an audit on our endoscope decontamination process along with the test to analyse the residual fluid for adequate drying & found that 48% of the decontaminated endoscopes had evidence of residual fluid & or moisture. In addition, evidence of microbial growth was noted among 23% of…
