instruments even if you strictly follow the manufacturer's IFUs for
cleaning. You must verify that the instrument is free of microbes and
then properly store it.
• Verification. Don't just follow the reprocessing steps. Verify that
the cleaning process worked by testing and inspecting devices for
cleanliness.
Though there are no tests available outside of the laboratory to
check for biofilm specifically, many post-cleaning verification tests
ensure that there's no organic debris left on the device. Some tests, for
7 2 • O U T PA 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 1 6
Biofilm often grows in
the enclosed spaces
and lumens of med-
ical devices that are
difficult to clean and
dry properly. The
lumen channels and
tips of inadequately
decontaminated endo-
scopes are particular-
ly susceptible to
biofilm, but it can form on all surgical instruments and medical
devices, and on most materials, including plastic, metal and even
human tissue. In addition to endoscopes, instruments with at-risk
designs include laparoscopic, arthroscopic and complex orthope-
dic instruments with cannulas (like depth gauges). Patients who
undergo endoscopy or surgery with a biofilm-containing device
are at risk for infection.
— Donna Swenson, BS, CRCST, CHL
MOIST, ENCLOSED SPACES
Where's Biofilm Likely to Form?
• CHANNELS AND TIPS Endoscopes are particularly at risk of developing biofilm.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
