title: High level disinfection of flexible nasopharyngoscopes, videolaryngoscopes, and rigid nasal endoscopes: an evidence-based approach.
abstract: In 2008, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued new guidelines for the cleaning of nasopharyngoscope (flexible fiberoptic), videolaryngoscopes, and rigid nasal endoscopes (Rutala et al., 2008). The guidelines outlined the basic process steps and requirements including staff training, competency testing, approved products, personal protective equipment, and appropriate storage. To date, published occurrences of pathogen transmission related to procedures requiring the use of a scope have been associated with failure to follow established cleaning and disinfection guidelines or use of defective equipment (Rutala, 2011). The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) established a multi-disciplinary team to review and revise the current policy and to generate implementation recommendations. The team used a systematic evidence-based approach to initiate the changes in practice. The initial project focus was in the Otolaryngology Department due to high scope usage in that patient care area.
authors.affiliation: Ambulatory Care Services, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
authors.forename: Cindy J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Dawson
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Werling
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farrington
mesh_terms: D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000592:standards*; D019723:Endoscopes / Q000382:microbiology*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D020704:Laryngoscopes / Q000382:microbiology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014481:United States