9 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 • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9
H
ealthcare facilities
continue to face
challenges in per-
forming safe and
effective endo-
scope reprocessing. Is it any won-
der? The complex design of endo-
scopes makes the devices difficult
to clean, reprocessing techs must
follow complicated and lengthy
reprocessing directions while
working in tight spaces with inad-
equate equipment and feel rushed
or lack confidence to complete all
of the reprocessing steps.
National organizations recom-
mend visual inspection and clean-
ing verification of endoscopes after manual cleaning and before high-
level disinfection or sterilization. Inspection and verification usually
rely on your reprocessing techs abilities to identify defects and inter-
pret spot-test results, which can sometimes lead to human error. The
human factors of cleaning endoscopes get a boost by using the follow-
ing technologies during routine reprocessing.
1. Borescopes
The channels of a scope, especially the biopsy/suction channel, can be
Take Better Care of Your Endoscopes
These tools and tests enhance reprocessing
practices and reduce cross-contamination risks.
Alison Sonstelie, BS, CHL, CRCST | Fargo, N.D.
• INSIDE LOOK Borescopes let staff check a scope's chan-
nels for defects and debris that jeopardize safe patient care.
