Endoscope reprocessing

Potential complications/adverse events

Infection transmission from endoscopy: 1 in 10 million
- Most commonly Salmonella and Pseudomonas
- Inadequate physical cleaning
- Incorrect disinfection
- Broken machine

Before cleaning
- Immediately wipe the insertion tube with a disposable cloth
- Aspirate detergent through suction and biopsy channels
- Depress and release air/water button several times
- Flush air/water channel (manufacturer instructions)
- Flush auxiliary water channel (foot pump)
- Disconnect from processor
Leak testing
- The process of placing all the channels under air pressure to identify any leaks
- Remove all valves and buttons first
- Attach leak tester and immerse in water
Manual cleaning
- Fill sink to cover scope and add detergent
- Brush buttons, soak, rinse
- Brush all channels using a long brush
- Brush valve and button seats
- Brush control head - all grooves and recesses
- Brush distal tip
- Brush light guide plug
- Wipe all surfaces
- Secure cleaning attachments to endoscope channels
- All accessory channels flushed again
- Empty sink and rinse
Place scope in AFER (Automatic Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor) and run cycle
Endoscope storage
- Dry all channels with pressurised air
- Remove the cleaning adapters
- Dry exterior surfaces
- Check for sheath/lens damage
- Place endoscope up into a cabinet to dry