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The Journal of the Japanese Society for Clinical Microbiology |
Biblioraphy Information
| ArticleTitle |
The Importance of Monitoring Endoscope Cleanliness as a Part of Routine Infection Control Procedures |
| Language |
J |
| AuthorList |
Tomomi Sakata1), Isao Nishi1), Masahiro Toyokawa1), Atsuko Sunada1), Akiko Ueda1), Keigo Kimura1), Yoriko Inoue1), Seishi Asari1,2) |
| Affiliation |
1) Laboratory for Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Hospital
2) Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka University Hospital |
| Publication |
J.J.C.M.: 22 (1), 35-41, 2012 |
| Received |
September 12, 2011 |
| Accepted |
December 19, 2011 |
| Abstract |
Of late, an automatic endoscope reprocessor (AER) is being commonly used for the cleaning and disinfection of endo-scopes. However, few reports have documented the actual effects of AER on the cleanliness of endoscopes cleaned and disinfected using this device. Here we evaluated the cleanliness of approximately 40 gastroscopes, 53 colonoscopes, and 50 bronchoscopes in current use and performed microbiological analysis of these instruments by staining and culture. After cleaning and disinfection by AER, the endoscopes were flushed with sterile saline through the biopsy channel, and the saline was collected in sterile containers. Each sample was centrifuged and the pellet was stained and cultured. Twenty samples (14.0%) stained positive for bacteria and fungi, 22 samples (15.4%) stained positive for cells, and 6 samples (4.2%) exhibited a positive culture for bacteria and fungi. Therefore, we reevaluated the cleanliness of the 6 endoscopes, whose samples were culture positive, after repeat cleaning and disinfection by AER. However, 3 of the 6 samples continued to be culture positive. In conclusion, the effects of AER on the cleanliness of endoscopes should not be overestimated. Furthermore, routine microbiological analysis using staining and culture for monitoring the cleanliness of endoscopes should form an important part of infection control procedures. |
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