6 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7
R
eprocessing endoscopes takes diligence every step of
the way. From pre-cleaning to leak testing to automat-
ic disinfection, your nurses and techs must pay careful
attention to every part of the process. From withdraw-
al of the scope to storing it in a cabinet, the entire
reprocessing should take roughly 45 minutes. Though the turnaround
is quick, it comprises many technical steps that must be completed
thoroughly every single time. Neglecting any step, however small, puts
your facility at risk of transferring microbes. To refresh, let's revisit
the 11 stages of a thorough reprocessing, starting with pre-cleaning,
once the scope has been withdrawn from the patient.
Is perfection possible every
time when disinfecting scopes?
Robert C. Lacava, RN | Rockville, Md.
• PROPER BRUSHING The endoscope contains tiny channels and crevices that need to be cleaned thoroughly, using special brushes.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR