M A Y 2 0 1 6 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 2 3
ommended fluid and air
pressures are achieved
and maintained. It's also
beneficial to invest in
units that perform rinse
cycles, automatic air
purges after high-level
disinfection cycles, self-
disinfection cycles and
alcohol flushes. They should also sound alarms when filters are clogged or dirty
and provide verification of each cycle performed. Finally, make sure the AER's
adaptors are verified for use with the endoscopes you use.
5. Proper storage
How long can disinfected scopes remain in storage before they have to be
reprocessed again? The issue is unresolved due to a lack of scientific data. In
ST91, we left this recommendation open to interpretation by individual facilities
that perform their own risk analyses when setting polices and procedures.
Consider the complexity of your scopes, whether the storage cabinets are air-fil-
tered, temperature or humidity controlled, and in an area with restricted access.
How often are the scopes handled during storage? What do the scope manufac-
turers' instructions for use recommend? How often and how well do you moni-
tor your reprocessing protocols? Are scopes hung vertically, so that fluid does
not remain in the channels? Do you track the use of each endoscope and the
high-level disinfection cycle they undergo? Assess all these factors when decid-
ing how long endoscopes can be stored safely in your facility.
6. Staff training
ST91 recommends that all staff members who reprocess endoscopes be certi-
• DEEP SOAK Sinks should be large enough to hold endoscopes placed in a loose coil.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
