How concerned should you be? In 2018, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, co-
authored a study of endoscope reprocessing, drying and storage prac-
tices at 3 hospitals. Her research team found residual fluid in 22 of 45
endoscopes tested and detected microbial growth in 71% of endo-
scopes stored for 24 hours (osmag.net/HMr6Fc). Retained fluid was
associated with significantly higher microbial growth within the endo-
scopes, notes the study.
Do hanging and flushing work?
Hanging an endoscope and relying on gravity's pull to dry its inner chan-
nels is a common, yet ineffective practice. "The fluid doesn't completely
drain out, because the channels are too narrow," says Dr. Ofstead, presi-
dent and CEO of Ofstead & Associates, a firm that designs and conducts
real-world studies to
validate healthcare
guidelines, treatments
and product claims.
Flushing channels
with 70% isopropyl
alcohol — this step is
incorporated into the
cycles of some auto-
matic endoscope
reprocessors — at the
end of high-level disin-
fection is thought to
prevent moisture from
forming in channels,
but that, too, poses
problems.
9 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U L Y 2 0 1 9
