2 2 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U L Y 2 0 2 0
R
eports emerged six years ago about fatal outbreaks of antibi-
otic-resistant bacteria in patients who underwent endoscop-
ic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In
response, the CDC provided guidance on how to set up an Interim
Duodenoscope Surveillance Protocol (IDSP), which involves cultur-
ing the scopes for residual pathogens. We adapted the protocol to fit
our facility's capabilities and came up with a program to ensure
these difficult-to-clean devices are properly cared for and closely
Changing the Culture of Duodenoscope Care
Improved cleaning protects patients from life-threatening infection.
Infection Prevention
Karin Underberg, MEd, BSN, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC
DIRTY JOB Cleaning duodenoscopes is a difficult process that requires consistency and attention to detail.
