M A Y 2 0 1 6 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 2 1
fection and sterilization policies for
endoscopes. Read on to see how many
of the manual's key recommendations
are in place at your facility.
1. Point-of-use cleaning
Don fresh gloves, a gown and eye
protection before preparing a clean-
ing solution, as indicated by the solu-
tion's manufacturer. As soon as possi-
ble after the endoscope's use, place
its controls in the unlocked position
and wipe down the insertion tube
with a lint-free cloth or sponge that's
been soaked in the cleaning solution.
Next, suction the solution through
the endoscope's biopsy channel.
Finally, flush the air, water, elevator
and auxiliary channels with the solu-
tion. Visually inspect the scope for
damage before placing it in a closed
container or drawstring sack for
transport to the reprocessing area.
2. Leak testing
This should occur as soon as possi-
ble after the scope arrives in the
reprocessing area. When performing
mechanical leak testing, remove all
valve and port covers, attach the leak
tester, turn on the air compressor to
Reprocessing
• BRUSH STROKES Careful manual cleaning should remove all visible debris.
patients will be put in harm's way before
every facility offering GI services follows
the same endoscope reprocessing proto-
cols? That desire for uniformity drove
me in helping to develop the national
standard for endoscope reprocessing,
ANSI/AAMI ST91:2015: Flexible and
semi-rigid endoscope processing in
health care facilities. This 58-page man-
ual outlines standardized cleaning, disin-
