or damage to an internal com-
ponent that cannot be seen at
all. For example, the control
body contains delicate O-rings
that can be disturbed, without
any signs of external damage
like cracks, if the scope is
dropped or mishandled.
Unfortunately, leak testing is
one of the most misunderstood
and frequently missed steps in
endoscope reprocessing.
Manual dry or wet tests are
common methods for leak test-
ing, but there are several criti-
cal steps that need to be com-
pleted in order to perform
them correctly.
• Manual leak test. The
scope is pressurized and manipulated while the tech observes a pres-
sure gauge, looking for changes in pressure.
• Wet test. The scope is pressurized and submerged in a sink of
clean water. A tech manipulates the scope and looks for bubbles exit-
ing the scope.
Both dry and wet leak tests rely on the attention and interpretation
of the person performing the work. Sometimes, defects are missed.
An automated leak tester can help simplify the process to make sure
it's done correctly and consistently.
There are several models of automatic leak testers available. They
can be expensive ($3,000 to $5,000), but the cost benefit is easily justi-
9 8 • 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
• HOLE IN NONE Automated leak testers take the human element
out of identifying damaged scopes in which residual water can har-
bor.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
