body) or run testing
sponges through the length
of a flexible scope channel
to test internal cleanliness
as well. You then insert
these tests into a reading
device, which gives a
numerical measurement to
be compared to your facili-
ty benchmark, letting you
verify the efficacy of your
cleaning protocols. Many
ATP test manufacturers also
provide software associated
with their devices that
allow for quality documen-
tation management, includ-
ing the ability to identify
quality trends in particular
devices or personnel.
Other testing options also measure the presence of residual hemo-
globin or a combination of hemoglobin, protein and carbohydrates.
You typically complete these tests by flushing prepackaged sterile
water through a scope's internal channel, recovering the water in a
sterile container and inserting a test strip into the container to pro-
duce a color-coded reading.
Enzyme-specific detection is an increasingly popular testing method.
These tests target the presence of Gram negative bacteria in a cleaned,
high-level disinfected or terminally sterilized scope. Classified as an
A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 4 7
• RAPID CLEANING VERIFICATION Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
tests rapidly detect residual soil and verify the adequacy of manual
cleaning.
