do you test MEC? Do you document when the MEC fails? How can
you verify a scope was disinfected properly when removed from the
AER? What process do you follow for scopes used on high-risk
patients (hepatitis or HIV, for example)? How do you know when
each batch of HLD is due to expire?
4. Simplify and standardize
You can simplify and standardize scope room procedures. Use an
automated enzymatic dispenser that measures the exact amount for
your sink and measures water temperature. Implement 24-hour tubing
and eliminate the manual soak pan. Use forms that make documenta-
tion easier, such as calculating the expiration date for HLD for your
scope washer. Store a binder in the scope room with all manufactur-
ers' instructions. Keep all scope room supplies organized and never
store similar chemicals/gallon containers together or on their side.
When physicians pressure techs to shorten or skip steps, tell your
techs to reply with 10 words: OK, Doctor, what step would you like
me to skip? You can't cut corners, even if you're in a hurry for a
scope. The goal of excellence in scope reprocessing is patient safety.
Your role is to give your techs the appropriate training, tools and sup-
port to clean and reprocess endoscopes according to manufacturer's
instructions and industry standards every time.
OSM
8 6 • 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 N E 2 0 1 7
Ms. Schneider (laura.schneider@amsurg.com) is a senior clinical director for
AmSurg Corporation, where she works with the center directors for 16 endoscopy
centers in Texas and Oklahoma.
