NR AHEL
AU Leiss,O.; Beilenhoff,U.; Bader,L.; Jung,M.; Exner,M.
TI [Reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and endoscopic accessories - an international comparison of guidelines]
OT Leitlinien zur Aufbereitung flexibler Endoskope und endoskopischen Zusatzinstrumentariums im internationalen Vergleich
QU Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie 2002 Jul; 40(7): 531-42
PT journal article
AB Endoscopic examinations and procedures are essential for diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. As a result of poor reprocessing practice microorganisms can be transmitted via endoscope. The majority of infection transmissions is due to insufficient performance of cleaning and disinfection disregarding guidelines of societies of gastrointestinal endoscopy. A review of the literature and a comparison of European and American guidelines for reprocessing flexible endoscopes are given. Differences in the classification of endoscopic devices, on the possibility of prion transmission, recommendations on staff training and protection, quality assurance of reprocessing and evidence-based graduation of guidelines are stressed and discussed. With respect to the procedure of endoscope reprocessing, differences concerning the cleaning solution to choose, necessity of thoroughly manual cleaning and brushing of the accessible endoscope channels (even in the case of subsequent automatic reprocessing endoscopes in washers-disinfectors), disinfection solution, microbiological quality of water for final rinsing and rationale for alcohol flush of endoscope channels for better drying are mentioned. The need for experimental investigations of the cleaning and disinfection process is stressed. In contrast to recent guidelines of European and American societies of gastrointestinal endoscopy, the now updated recommendations of the Robert Koch-Institute for reprocessing flexible endoscopes and endoscopic accessories are evidence-based and graduated.
MH Comparative Study; Cross Infection/prevention & control/transmission; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Disinfection/*standards; *Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal/*microbiology; English Abstract; Equipment Reuse/*standards; Europe; Evidence-Based Medicine; Guidelines; Human; Risk; United States
AD Fachbereich Gastroenterologie, Deutsche Klinik für Diagnostik, Wiesbaden. OLeiss@aol.com
SP deutsch
PO Deutschland