Study: GI endoscopes remain contaminated after reprocessing

Editor's Note

Despite reprocessing in accordance with US guidelines, viable microbes and residual contamination persisted on gastrointestinal endoscopes after each reprocessing step, in this study, suggesting current guidelines are not sufficient to ensure successful decontamination.

Investigators observed all reprocessing activities, using a checklist to ensure that protocols were performed in accordance with guidelines.

Viable organisms were found on 92% of devices after bedside cleaning, 46% after manual cleaning, 64% after high-level disinfection, and 9% after overnight storage.