no longer than 1 hour. If it sits any longer, you run the risk of forming
a biofilm, a tightly bound network of microorganisms that proliferates
and creates a barrier that's difficult to remove. If that happens inside
an endoscope — say, in the long narrow channel where you can't see
things without specialty equipment like a borescope — it becomes
very hard to remove, a lot like a casserole dish with burnt cheese that
you forgot to soak. To combat that possibility, keep dirty endoscopes
and accessories wet or damp using an approved agent — though not
submerged in liquid — in the container. This helps dilute and soften
contaminants and facilitates an easier cleaning process downstream.
3. Transport to decontamination room.
Now that your scope's
packed up and ready to go, you need to get it to the decontamination
