20 - Endoscope washer disinfectors

Abstract

Endoscopy is carried out routinely in diagnostic and surgical settings, and the number of patients examined is increasing. Outbreaks and sporadic cases of infection associated with the use of endoscopes have decreased, particularly in the United Kingdom due to endoscopy decontamination guidance. While most infections are due to failures in endoscope reprocessing, the final rinse water has been associated with a number of outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks. Following decontamination, the final rinse water needs to be free of bacteria as it removes traces of disinfectants, which could otherwise be hazardous to patients and staff. However, the final rinse water can become contaminated by waterborne microorganisms, and as such there is an inherent risk of contaminating the endoscope and subsequently potential transmission of these organisms into the patient, which could result in infections. Final rinse water needs to be of a satisfactory quality for flexible endoscopy to minimize the risk of postendoscopic infection.