Wipe the scope with a clean, lint-free cloth saturated with manu-
facturer-approved detergent solution. This step needs to take
place before any detritus have time to dry and settle. All staff mem-
bers who handle scopes during the procedure need to know this cru-
cial stage of the process before the scopes go off to the techs in the
Sterile Processing Department (SPD).
Suction detergent via pump through the channels. Using a suc-
tion pump, flush the air, water, and other channels with deter-
gent solution, and then flush with air. Repeat this phase as per manu-
facturer instructions until you've cleared the channels with an air
flush.
Disconnect the scope from the suction pump, attach a protective
video cap and transport it in a bin. Once the scope has been thor-
oughly wiped and flushed in the pre-clean, it's ready to be taken to the
SPD, where it will be scrubbed, soaked and tested for damage. The
transport bin should be large enough to store the scope properly and
closed off as it moves through the facility. Additionally, thoroughly
clean and disinfect the transport bin after each use.
Remove valves and buttons and any detachable components and
submerge them in detergent solution. Now that the scope has been
handed off to the SPD, detach all removable pieces and completely sub-
merge it in fresh detergent solution. The solution should be mixed per
manufacturer guidelines.
Perform a leak test. Testing for leaks is hugely important
because damaged scopes are the most susceptible to evading
thorough disinfection and transmitting dangerous microbes from
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