title: Recent Update on Microbiological Monitoring of Gastrointestinal Endoscopes after High-Level Disinfection.
abstract: Endoscopy-related infections are important contributors to nosocomial infections. Endoscope reprocessing according to standard guidelines ensures high-level disinfection and prevents endoscopy-related infections. Microbiological surveillance may help in monitoring the effectiveness of gastrointestinal endoscope disinfection. The process involves microbial cultures and non-culture methods such as bioburden assays, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence, and quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Surveillance culturing to monitor endoscopes after reprocessing has been recommended by a majority of organizations. Bioburden assays, ATP bioluminescence, and quantitative PCRs provide rapid and reliable measures. Each institution will have to try to establish its own surveillance guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.
authors.forename: Suk Pyo
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.
authors.forename: Won Hee
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Endoscopes, gastrointestinal; Monitoring; Reprocessing