nels) of up to 3.5 meters in length, such as video colonoscopes, duo-
denoscopes and gastroscopes. We're starting off sterilizing duodeno-
scopes, the most challenging scope to reprocess (only my 5 highest-
paid reprocessing techs can clean duodenoscopes). From there, we'll
sterilize gastroscopes and colonoscopes.
What's more, the Sterizone VP4 can run mixed loads, which mini-
mizes the time we spend sorting instruments and maximizes device
turns. In the same cycle, we can process a mixed load of general
instruments, single-channel flexible endoscopes, and single- or dou-
ble-channel rigid endoscopes, with load weights of up to 75 lbs.
Scope sterilization
We can really get behind our low-temp sterilizer's slogan: A sterile
device for every patient. There's really no comparison between a high-
level disinfected scope and a sterilized scope. Sterilization eradicates
all living organisms, including bacterial spores, while disinfection gets
rid of only bacteria and viruses. Only sterilization (or disposable
scopes) prevents scopes and all other devices from transmitting infec-
tious disease, providing the safety margin our patients deserve.
We all know the shortcomings of endoscope reprocessing. It's highly
complex and unreliable. You have to stay within a certain temperature
range, use the reprocessed scope within a date range and validate that
the scope is devoid of microbial contamination. Plus, the microbial
load of GI endoscopes is such that even if you clean and disinfect with
perfection, there's still some level of contamination after processing.
GI scopes are the most complex surgical device to reprocess —
complex not just in design, but also in the reprocessing process.
• Design. A long list of design features predispose heat-labile endo-
scopes to disinfection failures — their long (3.5ft), narrow (1mm to
3mm) lumens, right-angle bends, rough or pitted surfaces, and springs
4 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 8
