Lisa Heard, bSN, rN, CGrN
boston, Mass.
z GOOD START Proper manual cleaning is a
key initial step of flexible endoscope reprocessing.
Pamela
bevelhymer,
rN,
bSN
9 3
February 2015 | O U T PAT I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T
F
lexible endoscopes are expensive to buy and costly to main-
tain — general diagnostic scopes run $25,000 to $35,000 and
repairs can range from $500 to $10,000 — but proper care
and handling increase their usable life. Problem is, there's a
lot of opportunity for lapses in protocol during endoscope
reprocessing that can not only harm scopes, but also potentially cross-
contaminate patients. Unless you're standing vigil in your decontami-
nation room, there's no way to know scopes are reprocessed properly
each time they pass through. If that uncertainty keeps you up at night
— and it probably should — follow these 7 steps to all but guarantee
scopes are handled correctly and readied for safe patient care.
Keep You Up at Night?
Endoscope Reprocessing
Does
Following these 7 steps will ensure patient safety
and extend the life of the delicate instruments.
