Disposable Bronchoscope Model for Simulating Endoscopic Reprocessing and Surveillance Cultures. (21st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yassin, Mohamed H.; Hariri, Rahman; Hamad, Yasir; Ferrelli, Juliet; McKibben, Leeanna; Doi, Yohei
• Is Part Of: Infection control and hospital epidemiology. Volume 38:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 136
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2016-11-21
• Subjects: Nosocomial infections -- Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health facilities -- Sanitation -- Periodicals; Hospital buildings -- Sanitation -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Hospitals -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2016.264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-823X

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Endoscope-associated infections are reported despite following proper reprocessing methods. Microbiological testing can confirm the adequacy of endoscope reprocessing. Multiple controversies related to the method and interpretation of microbiological testing cultures have arisen that make their routine performance a complex target. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a pilot study using disposable bronchoscopes (DBs) to simulate different reprocessing times and soaking times and to compare high-level disinfection versus ethylene oxide sterilization. We also reviewed the time to reprocessing and duration of the procedures. METHODS: Bronchoscopes were chosen because an alternative disposable scope is commercially available and because bronchoscopes are more prone to delays in processing. Disposable bronchoscopes were contaminated using a liquid bacterial suspension and were then incubated for 1–4 hours. Standard processing and high-level disinfection were performed on 36 endoscopes. Ethylene oxide sterilization was performed on 21 endoscopes. Endoscope cultures were performed using the standard "brush, flush, brush" technique. RESULTS: After brushing was performed, a final water-flush culture procedure was the most effective method of detecting bacterial persistence on the disposable scopes. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most commonly recovered organism after reprocessing. Ethylene oxide sterilization did not result in total elimination of viable bacteria. CONCLUSION: Routine endoscopy cultures may be required to assess the adequacy of endoscopic processing. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:136–142