Elevating standard of endoscope reprocessing with terminal sterilization of duodenoscopes

Editor's Note

Terminal sterilization of duodenoscopes can be achieved with a hydrogen peroxide-ozone sterilizer, this study finds.

A sterility assurance level of 10^-6 was achieved under laboratory worst-case conditions and under clinical conditions using a hydrogen peroxide-ozone sterilizer with regulatory clearance for terminal sterilization of duodenoscopes (STERIZONE VP4, TSO3 Inc, Quebec City, Canada).

The overkill method study demonstrated a reduction of at least 6-log of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores at half-cycle, providing a sterility assurance level of 10^-6 . In a simulated-use study, the sterilizer achieved a 6-log reduction of G stearothermophilus in the presence of inorganic and organic soils.

The clinical in-use study confirmed sterilization of patient-soiled duodenoscopes under actual use conditions.

The hydrogen peroxide-ozone sterilizer offers facilities a viable alternative for duodenoscope processing to enhance patient safety, the researchers say.