Ensuring Safety: Good Practices for Reprocessing Endoscopes

Proper reprocessing of endoscopes is a critical step in maintaining patient safety and preventing infections. By following good practices in this process, healthcare professionals ensure the effectiveness of disinfection and contribute to the integrity of endoscopic procedures. Here are some essential guidelines:

 1. rigorous visual inspection

Before any reprocessing procedure, carry out a thorough visual inspection of the endoscope. Identify damage, organic residue or any other irregularity. If there are problems, refer the endoscope for repairs before proceeding with reprocessing.

2. Detailed Manual Cleaning:

Pre-cleaning, which can be done manually, is the first line of defense against contamination. Use brushes and cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer to reach all parts of the endoscope. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas such as light channels and working channels.

3. Use automated equipment:

After pre-cleaning, move on to the cleaning stage, incorporating automated cleaning and rinsing devices. This ensures more consistent and comprehensive cleaning, minimizing the risk of persistent organic residues.

4. High Level Disinfection (HLD):

Choose an appropriate disinfectant solution and strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure the solution meets high-level disinfection requirements. The immersion time in the solution must be respected to ensure the effectiveness of the process.

5. Proper rinsing

After disinfection, rinse thoroughly to remove any residue from the disinfectant solution. The presence of chemical residues can be harmful to patients and compromise the integrity of the endoscope.

6. Complete drying:

Make sure the endoscope is completely dry before storing it. Residual moisture can create an environment conducive to the growth of microorganisms. Use sterile compressed air or other appropriate methods to ensure complete drying.

7. Proper storage:

Store endoscopes in appropriate conditions to avoid contamination. Use specific cabinets and keep endoscopes suspended to avoid contact with contaminated surfaces.

8. Detailed records:

Keep detailed records of all reprocessing procedures. This includes dates, products used, inspection results and any corrective action taken. These records are essential for traceability and audits.

Reprocessing endoscopes is a vital part of responsible medical practice. By adhering to good practices, healthcare professionals not only comply with regulatory standards, but also protect the health and safety of patients. Attention to detail and strict compliance with the manufacturer's guidelines and those of regulatory bodies such as ANVISA and WEO, are essential to ensure the effectiveness of reprocessing and the integrity of endoscopic procedures.