OSE_1211_part1_Layout 1 11/1/12 8:57 AM Page 38
INFECTION PREVENTION
er cleaning.6
Prominent infection control expert and co-author of CDC sterilization and disinfection guidelines William Rutala, MD, PhD, recommends a 5-step process, preferably performed by an automatic endoscope reprocessor (although initial cleaning remains manual), for flexible scope reprocessing:
1. Manually clean with water and enzymatic cleaner.
2. Immerse and perfuse all channels with high-level disinfectant/sterilant for at least 12 minutes.
3. Rinse all channels with sterile water, filtered water or tap water
followed by an alcohol flush.
4. Use forced air to dry all channels.
5. Hang to store with insertion tubes down to prevent recontamination.6
Keep in mind that chemical sterilants in automatic reprocessors
become diluted, so you must test the minimal effective concentration
(MEC) regularly, at minimum each day of use. Adhere to manufacturer instructions and don't use MEC strips that have gone out of date.
5. Retesting of a sterilizer should be performed in all of the following cases
except
a. as part of routine testing
c. after relocation of the sterilizer
3 8
b. after a failed biological load
d. after repairs
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | N O V E M B E R 2012
