end of the disinfection cycle to facilitate channel drying or a record-
keeping function that tracks scope serial numbers, patient names and
cycle details, offer additional levels of effectiveness. Just be sure you
know what abilities your equipment is FDA-approved and validated
for, and remember that labor-saving doesn't mean labor-eliminating.
No AER can make up for a failure to pre-clean the scope at the point
of use immediately after a procedure, says Ms. Swanson.
A thankless job
Not only are scopes hard to clean by design. They're also no fun to
clean. "Like standing at a sink washing dishes all day," says Ms. Natal
of the tedious, backbreaking job that nobody in her facility wants to
do. Eight hours in a soiled utility room brushing devices that just
