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E N D O S C O P Y
followed on the front line when you have insufficient scope inventories and reprocessing techs feel pressured to meet the demands of
jam-packed procedure schedules. Are any of these common mistakes
happening on your watch?
1
Improper pre-cleaning
2
Ineffective leak testing
Pre-cleaning at the bedside removes bioburden before it has an
opportunity to dry, and creates the momentum needed for complete and proper scope reprocessing. Unfortunately, staff sometimes
skip this important first step because scopes look visibly clean and
the aspiration of channels produces no bioburden. Never assume
endoscopes are clean; they must always be treated at the point of use.
I've also frequently seen the detergent used at the bedside prepared improperly. Follow the detergent manufacturer's specifications for dilution in water and required temperature of the waterdetergent solution.
Wipe down the insertion tube with detergent, even if it's not visibly
soiled. Aspirate detergent through the biopsy channel, even if the
secretions in the suction canister look clear. Flush the auxiliary
water channel, even if it went unused during the procedure.
Reprocessing techs sometimes skip leak testing altogether if
endoscopists didn't pass instruments through the biopsy channel. Why? They incorrectly assume the integrity of the scope couldn't
have been compromised.
To perform proper leak tests, remove detachable parts such as
air/water valves and biopsy port caps, and ensure angulation control
wheels and stiffener controls are in the free and unlocked position.
Prepare a basin or sink with fresh water that's deep enough for the
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