Does the endoscope control head need to be disinfected between examinations?
An evaluation was made of the incidence of contamination of endoscope control heads during gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy, and of the efficacy of a simple disinfection technique. Contamination of the control heads occurred in 4 out of 17 examinations. Scrubbing in detergent followed by wiping with swabs impregnated with 70% isopropyl alcohol and 2% chlorhexidine achieved adequate disinfection of artificial heavy contamination of the control head. The endoscope control head represents a potential source of cross-infection and should not be neglected in any cleaning procedure.
Sobala
G M
GM
Gastroenterology Unit, General Infirmary, Leeds.
Lincoln
C
C
Axon
A T
AT
D000433:1-Propanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans
D000433:1-Propanol; D002710:Chlorhexidine