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there will be fewer differences in the process between scopes from the
same company. Before purchasing a new scope, evaluate the cleaning
processes to be sure they fit in with your existing physical plant and
cleaning procedures. A scope with an entirely different process begs
for trouble. Make sure purchasing knows not to change high-level dis-
infectant products just to save a dollar or 2. If the new product has dif-
ferent testing or soaking requirements, and staff are unaware of this,
improper processing may result.
To keep everyone at the top of their game, have competency-based
training for each employee involved in scope processing, with sepa-
rate evaluations for each different scope in the inventory. Keep writ-
ten policies and procedures up to date. Perform periodic monitoring
of compliance after training, at least annually, and when changes in
the process or products occur. OSM
Ms. Patrick (
marcia.patrickip@gmail.com
), an infection prevention and con-
trol consultant, has 30 years' experience in all aspects of infection prevention
and control in hospitals and ambulatory settings. She is an AAAHC surveyor.
E N D O S C O P Y
