Duodenoscope Safety Communications
The environment, equipment and guidelines that inform cleaning procedures are constantly changing putting duodenoscope reprocessing into a state of transition. Reprocessing is constantly becoming more complex and resource intensive, yet can still leave devices contaminated.2
Duodenoscope reprocessing manuals are complex and can average3
In one study focused on adherence to reprocessing guidelines, only 1,4% of trained staff performed the reprocessing steps correctly.2
Recently, ESGE and ESGENA collaborated to produce Position Statement on this topic, stressing that regardless of duodenoscope design, there are two crucial points:4
- Standardized and validated duodenoscope reprocessing should be performed by appropriately trained, dedicated, and competent staff;
- Microbiological surveillance and regular maintenance of duodenoscopes should be performed to identify any problems at an early stage.
2Ofstead CL, Wetzler HP, Snyder AK, Horton RA. Endoscope Reprocessing Methods: A Prospective Study on the Impact of Human Factors and Automation. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2010; 33(4): 304-311.
3Olympus Reprocessing Manual
4 Statement of the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates: European Curriculum for endoscope reprocessing. November 2019. esgena.org
Do you want to learn more about
infection prevention in Endoscopy?
Infection Prevention Education Resources
In the Educational Webcast Series, our panel of experts cover the most current information on infection risks associated with endoscopy.
Reprocessing of Complex Duodenoscopes: Infectious Risk and Options for Mitigation
Speaker
Prof. Marco J. Bruno
Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam
In this 45-minute webinar, Prof. Marco J. Bruno talks about the scale of the problem in duodenoscope contaminations and shares recent experiences of his cutting-edge nation-wide studies conducted in the Netherlands involving over 75 hospitals and almost 800 samples from over 150 duodenoscopes
Speaker
Prof. Frank Vleggaar
Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
UMC Utrecht, Netherlands
In this webinar, Prof. Frank Vleggaar shares the results of the investigation conducted to pinpoint potential contamination factors. He also discusses the opportunities for corrective actions in the short and long term.
This is the first study in Europe assessing the attack rate* of a contaminated duodenoscope.
Interim Results*
