Study: GI endoscopes remain contaminated after reprocessing

Recent outbreaks involving multidrug-resistant organisms have occurred after endoscopes were reportedly reprocessed according to guidelines.

In this study, researchers from Ofstead & Associates, St Paul, Minnesota, and the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, tested samples collected from 60 encounters with 15 colonoscopes and gastroscopes used for gastrointestinal procedures after each processing step to assess contamination levels.

Investigators also observed all reprocessing activities, using a checklist to ensure that reprocessing 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.

This study shows that colonoscopes and gastroscopes can harbor residual organic material, including viable microbes, even when adherence to recommended reprocessing guidelines is verified, the authors say. The findings suggest that current guidelines are not sufficient to ensure successful decontamination.

—Ofstead C L, Wetzler H P, Doyle E M, et al. Persistent contamination on colonoscopes detected by biologic cultures and rapid indicators despite reprocessing performed in accordance with guidelines. Am J Infect Control. 2015;43(8):794-801.

http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(15)00148-0/fulltext