Endoscopic disinfection: a worldwide problem.
Safety of endoscopic procedures has been a major issue over the last 10 years. Outbreak of new infectious diseases (type C) hepatitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) underlines the necessity for strengthening cleaning and disinfection guidelines. Patients should be ensured that all endoscopic procedures are carried out with high-level disinfection endoscopes and with sterile or single-use accessories. Improvements from a hygienic point of view of both endoscopes and washer-disinfectors are important goals for manufacturers. Adequate training of endoscopic staff is one of the most crucial points to achieve the highest quality control standards in digestive endoscopy.
Rey
J F
JF
Department d' Hépatologie et de Gastroentérologie, Institut Arnault Tzanck, Saint-Laurent du Var, France.
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D007562:Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D019723:Endoscopes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000821:virology; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends; D017743:Equipment Reuse / Q000592:standards; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008503:Medical Staff / Q000193:education; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care