title: Bacteriologic testing of endoscopes after high-level disinfection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are no definitive data available concerning microbiologic safety of prolonged endoscope storage after reprocessing and disinfection. This study evaluated the durability of high-level disinfection of endoscopes stored in a dust-proof cabinet for 5 days.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three different types of endoscopes (upper endoscopes, duodenoscopes, colonoscopes) were tested. After completion of the endoscopic procedure, endoscopes were subjected to an initial decontamination, followed by manual cleaning with the endoscope immersed in detergent. The endoscopes then were placed in an automatic reprocessor that provides high-level disinfection. They then were stored by hanging in a dust-proof cabinet. Bacteriologic samples were obtained from the surface of the endoscopes, the openings for the piston valves, and the accessory channel daily for 5 days, and by flush-through (combined with brushing) from the accessory channels after 5 days of storage. Samples were cultured for all types of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including bacterial spores, and for Candida species.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For all assays, all endoscopes were bacteria-free immediately after high-level disinfection. Only 4 assays (of 135) were positive during the subsequent 5-day assessment (skin bacteria cultured from endoscope surfaces). All flush-through samples were sterile.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When endoscope reprocessing guidelines are strictly observed and endoscopes are stored in appropriate cabinets for up to 5 days, reprocessing before use may not be necessary.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Centre, 2nd Department of Medicine, Charles University Teaching Hospital, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Stanislav
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rejchrt
authors.forename: Pavel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cermák
authors.forename: Ludmila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pavlatová
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McKová
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bures
mesh_terms: D004203:Disinfection; D019723:Endoscopes / Q000382:microbiology*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control