2 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9
The best way to prevent cross-contamination in your GI procedure
rooms is to avoid making the following mistakes, says Libby Chinnes,
RN, BSN, CIC, an infection prevention consultant based in Mount
Pleasant, S.C., who's seen them occur all too often in the facilities she
visits.
1. Out-of-date IFUs. Following endoscopes' instructions for use is
easy to do when you purchase new instruments, but manufacturers
regularly issue updates and changes to how the devices should be
reprocessed. And all too often, these changes don't get implemented.
One of the most effective ways to ensure critical IFU updates don't fall
through the cracks is to designate a specific staff member to monitor
updates and inform her colleagues about the changes. You can also
partner with third-party consultants who will provide updates and edu-
cational programs on how to best implement the updates into your daily
routines.
2. Inconsistent use of guidelines. It doesn't matter which recommen-
dations for proper endoscope handling and reprocessing you use —
those issued by the Association for the Advancement of Medical
6 Common
Errors in
Endoscope Care
INFECTION CONTROL
• WIDE SCOPE Implement proper reprocessing protocols and
make sure staff follow the practices on a consistent basis.
