Tips for Endoscope Decontamination

 

Endoscopes and endoscopy equipment are widely used for early diagnosis of lethal diseases including cancer and also provide for treatment of tumors and cancers among other acute or chronic diseases. The sophisticated endoscopic equipment is inserted through the nose, anus or through an incision that is made in the skin, in the body of the patient. A contaminated endoscope can be a cause of a number of medical conditions and diseases. It must be stored in a sterile and hygienic condition and should be carefully decontaminated after its use. Below are some tips that will help you to decontaminate your endoscope.

Quality

All of the examination and diagnosis processes must be controlled by quality systems that are ISO certified. One example is the BS EN1SO medical device certification. The equipment should also be used in full accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Staff Training

All of the medical staff, including the new staff that is involved in the endoscope decontamination process, should be trained well and fully. The training procedure must also be regularly updated.

Compatibility

Never re-process the devices that are designed and manufactured for single use. Check that the decontamination equipment and the decontamination processes of the hospital are fully compatible with each other.

Identification

Make a checklist and identify all kinds of endoscopes and other decontamination equipment that are being used in the hospital or clinic. Also, ensure that only correct and well-supervised decontamination processes are being used. All endoscopes should be traced back to the individual patient on whom they have been used.

Channel Connection

Check the number of inbuilt channels that each endoscope has and also ensure that they can be well connected to automatic re-processors or the washer disinfector. All channels of an endoscope must be flushed, even if a channel has not been used during an examining or treatment procedure.

Chemical Compatibility

Only use chemicals that are compatible with the endoscope, with the automatic re-processor and with the accessories of the endoscope. Use the chemicals at their correct temperature, concentration and at accurate contact times.

Preventive Maintenance

Have records of all the endoscopes and their usage and also record the usage of decontamination equipment. Make the record making process a regular one and also opt for well-planned and preventive maintenance.

You can keep the endoscopic equipment in their right decontaminated and hygienic state by following these simple tips.