Deficiencies of automatic endoscopic reprocessors: a method to achieve high-grade disinfection of endoscopes.
BACKGROUND
We show that disinfection using the automatic endoscopic reprocessor is not complete and propose a method for high-grade disinfection of endoscopes.


METHODS
We used an automatic endoscopic reprocessor, Pyser System 83, and 2% glutaraldehyde. After each endoscopic procedure, the endoscopes were divided into three groups. Endoscopes in group A were washed only by the reprocessor. Group B endoscopes were washed by the reprocessor after the connectors were soaked in glutaraldehyde for 5 minutes. The channels, valves, connecting sections of group C endoscopes, and the connectors of the machine were sprayed with glutaraldehyde before machine-washing. Swabs were taken from all 13 parts of each endoscope and machine for microbiologic culture.


RESULTS
Six endoscopes were positive, cumulatively, for bacterial contamination in group A. Among group B endoscopes, one remained contaminated. No endoscope was positive in group C. The difference between group A and C was statistically significant (p < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Machine washing by automatic endoscopic reprocessors may not achieve complete disinfection. Additional procedures are necessary. High-grade disinfection of the connectors is critical. Disinfection of the interface between the connectors is important.
Ido
K
K
Department of Gastroenterology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan.
Ishino
Y
Y
Ota
Y
Y
Kihira
K
K
Taniguchi
Y
Y
Saifuku
K
K
Satoh
K
K
Kawamoto
C
C
Hayashi
M
M
Kimura
K
K
D004203:Disinfection / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D019723:Endoscopes; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005976:Glutaral / Q000494:pharmacology
D005976:Glutaral