Feasibility and efficacy of newly developed eco-friendly, automatic washer for endoscope using electrolyzed alkaline and acidic water.

INTRODUCTION: As well as preventing nosocomial and healthcare-associated infections, a reliable and eco-friendly washer for medical equipment would also be safe for the global environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed automatic washing system (Nano-washer) that uses electrolyzed water and ultrasonication without detergent for washing endoscopes. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic lobectomy or laparoscopic colectomy at Nagasaki University between 2018 and 2022 were included. A total of 60 cases of endoscope use were collected and classified according to endoscope washing method into the Nano-washer group (using no detergent) (n = 40) and the manual washing group (n = 20). Protein and bacterial residues were measured before and after washing, using absorbance spectrometry and 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction. The effectiveness of protein and bacterial removal and endoscope surface damage after washing were compared under specular vision between the groups. RESULTS: Nano-washer did not use detergent unlike manual washing. There was no difference in demographic or clinical characteristics between the groups except for the presence of comorbidities in the lobectomy group (Nano-washer, 85%; manual washing, 40%, P = .031). Compared with the manual washing group, residual protein levels in the Nano-washer group were significantly reduced after washing (lobectomy, 0.956 mg/mL vs 0.016 mg/mL, P < .001; colectomy, 0.144 mg/mL vs 0.002 mg/mL, P = .008). Nano-washer group showed a significant reduction in bacteria between before and after lobectomy (9437 copies/cm2 vs 4612 copies/cm2 , P = .024). CONCLUSION: Nano-washer is a promising, effective, and eco-friendly automatic washing device that is safer and more efficient than manual washing.

[A systematic analysis of nosocomial outbreaks of nosocomial infections after gastrointestinal endoscopy]. / Eine systematische Analyse nosokomialer Ausbrüche von Infektionskrankheiten in der gastrointestinalen Endoskopie.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and colonoscopy (CLN) come with a potential risk of pathogen transmission. Unfortunately, up to now data on the causes and the distribution of pathogens is rather sparse.We performed a systematic review of the medical literature using the Worldwide Outbreak Database, the PubMed, and Embase. We then checked so-retrieved articles for potential sources of the outbreak, the spectrum of pathogens, the attack rates, mortality and infection control measures.In total 73 outbreaks (EGD: 24, ERCP: 42; CLN: 7) got included. The corresponding attack rates were 3.5%, 7.1% and 12.8% and mortality rates were 6.3%, 12.7% and 10.0% respectively. EGD was highly associated with transmission of enterobacteria including a large proportion of multi-drug resistant strains. ERCP led primarily to transmission of non-fermenting gram-negative rods. The most frequent cause was human failure during reprocessing regardless of the type of endoscope.Staff working in the field of endoscopy should always be aware of the possibility of pathogen transmission in order to detect and terminate those events at the early most time point. Furthermore, proper ongoing education of staff involved in the reprocessing and maintenance of endoscopes is crucial. Single-use devices may be an alternative option and lower the risk of pathogen transmission, but on the downside may also increase costs and waste.

Cleaning of in-hospital flexible endoscopes: Limitations and challenges.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the cleaning process of gastroscopes, colonoscopes and duodenoscopes in eight in-hospital health services. METHOD: a cross-sectional study conducted with 22 endoscopes (eight gastroscopes, eight colonoscopes and six duodenoscopes), and microbiological analysis of 60 samples of air/water channels (all endoscopes) and elevator (duodenoscopes), in addition to protein testing. Descriptive statistics with calculation of frequencies and central tendency measures was used in data analysis. RESULTS: the processing of 22 endoscopes was monitored with microbiological analysis for 60 channels. In the pre-cleaning procedure, in 82.3% (14/17) of the devices, gauze was used in cleaning the insertion tube. Incomplete immersion of the endoscope in detergent solution occurred in 72.3% (17/22) of the cases, and in 63.6% (14/22) there was no standardization of filling-in of the channels. Friction of the biopsy channel was not performed in 13.6% (3/22) of the devices. In the microbiological analysis, 25% (7/32) of the samples from the stored endoscopes were positive for microbial growth (from 2x101 to 9.5x104 CFU/mL), while after processing, contamination was 32% (9/28). Protein residues in the elevator channel were detected in 33% of duodenoscopes. CONCLUSION: the results indicate important gaps in the stages of pre-cleaning and cleaning of endoscopes that, associated with presence of protein residues and growth of microorganisms of epidemiological importance, indicate limitations in safety of the processing procedures, which can compromise the disinfection processes and, consequently, their safe use among patients subjected to such tests.

Biofilm accumulation in new flexible gastroscope channels in clinical use.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the accumulation of protein and biofilm on the inner surfaces of new flexible gastroscope (FG) channels after 30 and 60 days of patient use and full reprocessing. DESIGN: Clinical use study of biofilm accumulation in FG channels. SETTING: Endoscopy service of a public hospital. METHODS: First, we tested an FG in clinical use before the implementation of a revised reprocessing protocol (phase 1 baseline; n = 1). After replacement of the channels by new ones and the implementation of the protocol, 3 FGs were tested after 30 days of clinical use (phase 2; n = 3) and 3 FGs were tested after 60 days of clinical use (phase 3; n = 3), and the same FGs were tested in phase 2 and 3. Their biopsy, air, water, and air/water junction channels were removed and subjected to protein testing (n = 21), bacteriological culture (n = 21), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (n = 28). Air-water junction channels fragments were subjected to SEM only. RESULTS: For the FGs, the average number of uses and reprocessing cycles was 60 times. Extensive biofilm was detected in air, water, and air-water junction channels (n = 18 of 28). All channels (28 of 28) showed residual matter, and structural damage was identified in most of them (20 of 28). Residual protein was detected in the air and water channels of all FG evaluated (phases 1-3), except for 1 air channel from phase 2. Bacteria were recovered from 8 of 21 channels, most air or water channels. CONCLUSIONS: The short time before damage and biofilm accumulation in the channels was evident and suggests that improving the endoscope design is necessary. Better reprocessing methods and channel maintenance are needed.

Cleaning of in-hospital flexible endoscopes: Limitations and challenges / Limpeza de endoscópios flexíveis intra-hospitalares: limitações e desafios / Limpieza de endoscopios flexibles intrahospitalarios: limitaciones y desafíos

Abstract Objective: to analyze the cleaning process of gastroscopes, colonoscopes and duodenoscopes in eight in-hospital health services. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with 22 endoscopes (eight gastroscopes, eight colonoscopes and six duodenoscopes), and microbiological analysis of 60 samples of air/water channels (all endoscopes) and elevator (duodenoscopes), in addition to protein testing. Descriptive statistics with calculation of frequencies and central tendency measures was used in data analysis. Results: the processing of 22 endoscopes was monitored with microbiological analysis for 60 channels. In the pre-cleaning procedure, in 82.3% (14/17) of the devices, gauze was used in cleaning the insertion tube. Incomplete immersion of the endoscope in detergent solution occurred in 72.3% (17/22) of the cases, and in 63.6% (14/22) there was no standardization of filling-in of the channels. Friction of the biopsy channel was not performed in 13.6% (3/22) of the devices. In the microbiological analysis, 25% (7/32) of the samples from the stored endoscopes were positive for microbial growth (from 2x101 to 9.5x104 CFU/mL), while after processing, contamination was 32% (9/28). Protein residues in the elevator channel were detected in 33% of duodenoscopes. Conclusion: the results indicate important gaps in the stages of pre-cleaning and cleaning of endoscopes that, associated with presence of protein residues and growth of microorganisms of epidemiological importance, indicate limitations in safety of the processing procedures, which can compromise the disinfection processes and, consequently, their safe use among patients subjected to such tests.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar o processo de limpeza de gastroscópios, colonoscópios e duodenoscópios em oito serviços de saúde intra-hospitalar. Método: estudo transversal com 22 endoscópios, sendo oito gastroscópios, oito colonoscópios e seis duodenoscópios, e análise microbiológica de 60 amostras dos canais de ar/água (todos os endoscópios) e elevador (duodenoscópios), além de teste de proteína. Na análise dos dados, utilizou-se estatística descritiva, com cálculo de frequências e medidas de tendência central. Resultados: o processamento de 22 endoscópios foi acompanhado com análise microbiológica de 60 canais. Na pré-limpeza, em 82,3% (14/17) dos equipamentos, foi utilizada gaze na limpeza do tubo de inserção. A imersão incompleta do endoscópio em solução detergente ocorreu em 72,3% (17/22) dos casos, e em 63,6% (14/22) não havia padronização do preenchimento dos canais. A fricção do canal de biópsia não foi realizada em 13,6% (3/22) dos equipamentos. Na análise microbiológica, 25% (7/32) das amostras dos endoscópios armazenados foram positivas para crescimento microbiano (2x101 a 9,5x104 UFC/mL), enquanto após o processamento, a contaminação foi de 32% (9/28). Resíduos de proteína no canal do elevador foram detectados em 33% dos duodenoscópios. Conclusão: os resultados apontam lacunas importantes nas etapas de pré-limpeza e limpeza dos endoscópios que, associadas à presença de resíduos de proteína e ao crescimento de microrganismo de importância epidemiológica, sinalizam limitações na segurança do processamento, que podem comprometer os processos de desinfecção e consequentemente seu uso seguro entre pacientes submetidos a tais exames.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar el proceso de limpieza de gastroscopios, colonoscopios y duodenoscopios en ocho servicios de salud intrahospitalarios. Método: estudio transversal con 22 endoscopios, de los cuales ocho eran gastroscopios, ocho colonoscopios y seis duodenoscopios, y análisis microbiológico de 60 muestras de los canales de aire/agua (todos los endoscopios) y elevador (duodenoscopios), además de prueba de proteínas. En el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva, con cálculo de frecuencias y medidas de tendencia central. Resultados: el procesamiento de los 22 endoscopios fue monitoreado con el análisis microbiológico de 60 canales. En la prelimpieza, en el 82,3% (14/17) de los equipos se utilizó gasa para limpiar el tubo de inserción. En el 72,3% (17/22) de los casos la inmersión del endoscopio en solución detergente fue incompleta y en el 63,6% (14/22) no hubo estandarización del llenado de los canales. La fricción del canal de biopsia no se realizó en el 13,6% (3/22) de los equipos. En el análisis microbiológico, el 25% (7/32) de las muestras endoscópicas almacenadas dio positivo para crecimiento microbiano (2x101 a 9,5x104 UFC/ml), mientras que después del procesamiento, la contaminación fue del 32% (9/28). Se detectaron residuos de proteína en el canal elevador en el 33% de los duodenoscopios. Conclusión: los resultados indican que hay importantes lagunas en las etapas de prelimpieza y limpieza de los endoscopios que, junto con la presencia de residuos de proteínas y del crecimiento de microorganismos de importancia epidemiológica, indican limitaciones en la seguridad del procesamiento, que pueden comprometer los procesos de desinfección y, por ende, el uso seguro en los pacientes que se someten a esos procedimientos.

Quality Systems Approach for Endoscope Reprocessing: You Don't Know What You Don't Know!

Several factors affect the efficacy of endoscope reprocessing, including human factors, inadequate cleaning, simethicone residuals, moisture in channels during storage, and biofilm or buildup biofilm formation. These factors all contribute to contamination of patient-ready endoscopes that may contribute to transmission of microorganisms resulting in infection and/or colonization. This article reviews monitoring as part of a quality management system that includes manual cleaning, dry storage, and culture to detect endoscope contamination. The published data for rapid tests that detect organic residuals and adenosine triphosphate to monitor manual cleaning are reviewed.

Contribution of usage to endoscope working channel damage and bacterial contamination.

BACKGROUND: Biofilm formation has been shown to be associated with damaged areas of endoscope channels. It was hypothesized that the passage of instruments and brushes through endoscope channels during procedures and cleaning contributes to channel damage, bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. AIM: To compare surface roughness and bacterial attachment in used and new endoscope channels in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Surface roughness of 10 clinically used (retired) and seven new colonoscope biopsy channels was analysed by a surface profiler. For the in-vitro study, a flexible endoscope biopsy forceps was passed repeatedly through a curved 3.0-mm-diameter Teflon tube 100, 200 and 500 times. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine the degree of inner surface damage. The number of Escherichia coli or Enterococcus faecium attached to the inner surface of the new Teflon tube and the tube with 500 forceps passes in 1 h at 37oC was determined by culture. RESULTS: The average surface roughness of the used biopsy channels was found to be 1.5 times greater than that of the new biopsy channels (P=0.03). Surface roughness of Teflon tubes with 100, 200 and 500 forceps passes was 1.05-, 1.12- and 3.2-fold (P=0.025) greater than the roughness of the new Teflon tubes, respectively. The number of E. coli and E. faecium attached to Teflon tubes with 500 forceps passes was 2.9-fold (P=0.021) and 4.3-fold (P=0.004) higher compared with the number of E. coli and E. faecium attached to the new Teflon tubes, respectively. CONCLUSION: An association was found between endoscope usage with damage to the biopsy channel and increased bacterial attachment.

Microbiological surveillance of endoscopes and implications for current reprocessing procedures adopted by an Italian teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Hospital acquired infections have been associated with the contamination of flexible endoscopes caused by a failure of the reprocessing procedure. Microbiological surveillance of endoscope reprocessing is valuable for assessing contamination by pathogens. The aim of this study is to evaluate microbiological contamination of endoscopes after reprocessing, and the involvement of reprocessing procedures adopted in endoscopy units of an Italian teaching-hospital. METHODS: The study was carried out, on several dates in 2014, in 11 endoscopic operation units equipped with 100 endoscopes (18 bronchoscopes, 41 gastroduodenoscopes, 29 colonoscopes, 12 laryngoscopes) and 9 Automated Endoscope Reprocessors. Presence/absence of common pathogens and indicator micro-organisms (including multi-drug resistant bacteria) and Total Microbiological Count (TMC) were obtained from the biopsy channels of endoscopes after reprocessing, from final rinse water of automated endoscope reprocessors and from tap water applying standard microbiological culture methods. Following the European Guidelines for quality assurance in reprocessing, the post-reprocessing criteria were "absence of indicator micro-organisms and absence of TMC in samples obtained from endoscopes' channels". RESULTS: A total of 180 samples were collected (143 endoscopes, 25 Automated Endoscope Reprocessors and 12 water supply). Compliance to the European Guidelines was achieved for 112 out of the 180 (62.2%) samples analyzed. Presence of indicator micro-organisms (mainly Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria) was found in 51 out of 143 endoscopes (35.7%). Multi-drug resistant bacteria were also found. Presence of pathogen micro-organisms was statistically associated with the increase of TMC level, but not with time after reprocessing. CONCLUSION: The study provides information about the microbiological quality of endoscope reprocessing procedures adopted by different endoscopic operation units. The high prevalence of contaminated endoscopes provides evidence of the need to improve the quality of reprocessing.

Assessment of endoscope cleaning and disinfection efficacy, and the impact of endoscope storage on the microbiological safety level.

AIMS: The aim of the study was microbiological evaluation of the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes carried out with the use of endoscope washer-disinfector EndoCleaner and evaluation of the endoscope storage cabinet providing a controlled environment. METHODS AND RESULTS: The efficacy evaluation of endoscope cleaning and disinfection using the endoscope washer-disinfector EndoClener (AORT) was carried out in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 15883 standard, and the validity of endoscope storage cabinet (TRIBO LLC) was evaluated in accordance with the PN-EN 16442 standard. The micro-organism tested used in the study were as follows: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC® 15442™, Enterococcus faecium ATCC® 12952™, Clostridium sporogenes ATCC® 19404™ (spores), Candida albicans ATCC® 90028™ and Aspergillus brasiliensis DSM® 1988™ (surrogate for Asperigllus niger ATCC® 16404™). It was demonstrated that the endoscope reprocessing carried out in the washer-disinfector EndoCleaner guaranteed the elimination of the micro-organism tested, and the tested endoscope storage cabinet met the microbiological criteria defined by the Polish standard PN-EN 16442 in the scope of tests. CONCLUSION: The obtained results showed that usage of washer-disinfector EndoCleaner and endoscope storage cabinet ensures the microbiological safety of using endoscopes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The increase in the frequency of procedures applying endoscopes contributes to the increased risk of transmission of potentially pathogenic micro-organisms remaining after insufficient cleaning and disinfection of these devices. Research allows assessing the effectiveness of antimicrobial cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes and the safety of storing this equipment in an endoscope cabinet. A particularly innovative aspect is equipping the cabinet with a module generating the phenomenon of radiant catalytic ionization, which is a unique solution on the market. This is one of the very few works involving the assessment of each stage, that is contamination, washing and disinfection, drying and storage of endoscopes.

Microbiota of the Oropharynx and Endoscope Compared to the Esophagus.

The role of the microflora in the development of esophageal disease is still largely unknown and is being investigated in more detail. Our goal was to determine how the microbiota levels of endoscope and uvular swabs compared to the levels of tissue biopsies along various points of the esophagus. 17 patients with Barrett's esophagus agreed to participate in the study. Biopsies of esophageal mucosa were taken from the (1) proximal esophagus, (2) mid-esophagus, (3) distal esophagus, and (4) Barrett's esophagus. Swabs were also taken from the uvula and the endoscope. Throughout the esophagus, 17 bacterial genera were detected from the samples. The microflora pattern obtained from the uvula and endoscopic swabs did not correlate well with mucosal biopsies along any aspect of the esophagus. There were statistically significant differences in the levels and proportions of bacteria found when comparing the uvula swab to the esophageal biopsies and when comparing the endoscope swab to the esophageal biopsies. Obtaining a simple swab of the uvula or endoscope itself appears to be a poor substitute for tissue biopsy of esophageal mucosa when evaluating microflora patterns. When performing microflora studies of the esophagus, mucosal biopsies should be used for analysis.

What's new in reprocessing endoscopes: Are we going to ensure "the needs of the patient come first" by shifting from disinfection to sterilization?

Millions of gastrointestinal endoscopes are performed each year in the United States. Gastrointestinal endoscopes become highly contaminated during use (ie, internal channels contain 7-10-log10 enteric microorganisms). Currently, endoscopes (eg, bronchoscopes and gastrointestinal endoscopes) are classified as semicritical items because they contact intact mucous membranes and most commonly undergo cleaning followed by high-level disinfection, which may result in as little as a 6-log10 reduction of microorganisms. Therefore, and not surprisingly, in recent years there have been multiple reports that have documented that endoscopes, especially duodenoscopes, frequently remain contaminated with bacterial pathogens after proper cleaning and disinfection. Multiple outbreaks of multidrug-resistant organisms from contaminated duodenoscopes have resulted in substantial death and morbidity. Because duodenoscopes commonly contact nonintact mucous membranes and sterile tissue, such endoscopes should be considered critical items. We propose that to ensure patient safety, we follow the Spaulding scheme and move from high-level disinfection to sterilization of reusable endoscopes or use an alternative diagnostic/therapeutic method (eg, disposable sterile endoscopes).

Assessment of occupational exposure to airborne chlorine dioxide of healthcare workers using impregnated wipes during high-level disinfection of non-lumened flexible nasoendoscopes.

Routine flexible nasoendoscopy in otolaryngology clinics is well established, the rate-limiting step of which being the speed of the nasoendoscopes reprocessing method used. Non-lumened flexible nasoendoscopes are expensive, heat-sensitive, delicate instruments that cannot be sterilized in an autoclave but must be disinfected by means of high level disinfection (HLD). In one of the public hospitals in Singapore, the method of disinfection was recently changed to the use of commercial impregnated wipes which generates less than 1% chlorine dioxide upon activation. An exposure assessment was performed to assess the potential exposure of healthcare workers (HCWs) to airborne chlorine dioxide during nasoendoscope disinfection. A total of 14 long-term personal samples, four short-term personal samples and 16 long-term area samples were collected over 8 days in midget impingers containing 0.02% potassium iodide in sodium carbonate/sodium bicarbonate buffer during the nasoendoscope disinfection. The samples were then analyzed by ion-chromatograph. The chlorine dioxide concentrations and upper confidence limit at 95% confidence level (UCL95%) for personal and area samples collected were all below the occupational exposure limits (OEL) for chlorine dioxide (Singapore Workplace Safety and Health PELs, ACGIH TLVs, U.S. OSHA PELs). The study presented evidence that the exposure of HCWs to chlorine dioxide during high-level disinfection of flexible nasoendoscopes were deemed insignificant.

The validity of adenosine triphosphate measurement in detecting endoscope contamination.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic procedures are vital to gastrointestinal disease diagnosis and management, but risk infection transmission. In Australia, endoscopes undergo monthly-to-quarterly microbiological testing, to prevent patient infection. Endoscopes are used more frequently, meaning contamination may not be detected by this surveillance before infection transmission occurs. AIM: To evaluate the use of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurement, alongside standard microbiological cultures, in detecting endoscope contamination before high-level disinfection. Using these results, we also aimed to confirm the efficacy of manual cleaning in reducing levels of ATP and cfu/mL. METHODS: Seventeen in-clinical-use gastroscopes and 24 in-clinical-use colonoscopes from the Liverpool Hospital Endoscopy unit were sampled across three separate cleaning stages before high-level disinfection. Colony counts and ATP measurements were then performed on these samples. FINDINGS: The correlation between the cfu/mL and RLU of samples collected from colonoscopes was 0.497 (95% confidence interval: 0.28-0.66; P < 0.0001). The correlation between cfu/mL and RLU for samples collected from gastroscopes was 0.377 (0.08-0.61; P = 0.0138). RLU and cfu/mL values were shown to fall significantly (P < 0.005) following precleaning and manual cleaning. CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation between ATP and cfu/mL measured from samples collected before high-level disinfection. Precleaning and manual cleaning were shown to reduce ATP and microbiological load significantly. ATP measurement can be performed within minutes with little training and produces results that are easy to interpret. These findings warrant further research on the utility of ATP measurement as a screening tool for detecting endoscope contamination after high-level disinfection.

Use of adenosine triphosphate to audit reprocessing of flexible endoscopes with an elevator mechanism.

BACKGROUND: There have been reported outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections linked to endoscopes with elevator mechanisms. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing has been used as a marker for bioburden and monitoring manual cleaning for flexible endoscopes with and without an elevator mechanism. The objective of this study was to determine whether routine ATP testing could identify areas of improvement in cleaning of endoscopes with an elevator mechanism. METHODS: ATP testing after manual cleaning of TJF-Q180V duodenoscopes and GF-UCT180 linear echoendoscopes (Olympus America Inc, Center Valley, PA) was implemented. Samples were tested from the distal end, the elevator mechanism, and water flushed through the lumen of the biopsy channel. Data were recorded and compared by time point, test point, and reprocessing technician. RESULTS: Overall failure rate was 6.99% (295 out of 4,219). The highest percentage of failed ATP tests (17.05%) was reported in the first quarter of routine testing, with an overall decrease in rates over time. The elevator mechanism and working channel lumen had higher failure rates than the distal end. Quality of manual cleaning between reprocessing technicians showed variation. CONCLUSION: ATP testing is effective in identifying residual organic material and improving quality of manual cleaning of endoscopes with an elevator mechanism. Cleaning efficacy is influenced by reprocessing technicians and location tested on the endoscope. Close attention to the working channel and elevator mechanism during manual cleaning is warranted.

Residual moisture and waterborne pathogens inside flexible endoscopes: Evidence from a multisite study of endoscope drying effectiveness.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopy-associated infection transmission is frequently linked to inadequate reprocessing. Residual organic material and moisture may foster biofilm development inside endoscopes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of endoscope drying and storage methods and assessed associations between retained moisture and contamination. METHODS: Endoscope reprocessing, drying, and storage practices were assessed at 3 hospitals. Researchers performed visual examinations and tests to detect fluid and contamination on patient-ready endoscopes. RESULTS: Fluid was detected in 22 of 45 (49%) endoscopes. Prevalence of moisture varied significantly by site (5%; 83%; 85%; P < .001). High adenosine triphosphate levels were found in 22% of endoscopes, and microbial growth was detected in 71% of endoscopes. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Citrobacter freundii, and Lecanicillium lecanii/Verticillium dahliae were found. Retained fluid was associated with significantly higher adenosine triphosphate levels (P < .01). Reprocessing and drying practices conformed with guidelines at 1 site and were substandard at 2 sites. Damaged endoscopes were in use at all sites. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate reprocessing and insufficient drying contributed to retained fluid and contamination found during this multisite study. More effective methods of endoscope reprocessing, drying, and maintenance are needed to prevent the retention of fluid, organic material, and bioburden that could cause patient illness or injury.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori with dielectric barrier discharge plasma causes UV induced damage to genomic DNA leading to cell death.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is an important tool for the indentification and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. However, nosocomial infections of Helicobacter pylori have been linked to the use of contaminated endoscopes. Disinfectants such as glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde and peracetic acid are generally used in the reprocesssing of endoscopes, but these chemicals are hazardous to human health. Thus, safer reprocessing and disinfecion methods are needed. In this study, we applied a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma torch for inactivation of H. pylori to investigate a potential new methodology to disinfect endoscopes. Suspensions of H. pylori in 10% glycerol were subjected to the DBD plasma torch, which reduced the viable cell count to undetectable levels after 2 min of treatment. Furthermore, urease activity of H. pylori was eliminated after 2 min-plasma treatment, while plasma-treatment reduced the intact DNA of H. pylori in a time-dependent manner. Next, we examined several potential bactericidal factors produced by the DBD plasma torch. Two min-plasma treatment resulted in a small temperature rise (4 °C), ultraviolet radiation (UV) generation, and the production of hydrogen peroxide. H. pylori samples were then exposed to equivalent levels of each of these factors in turn. Our results showed that treatment with heat and hydrogen peroxide at the levels produced after 2-min of plasma treatment did not efficiently inactivate H. pylori, whereas exposure to UV had a significant bactericidal effect. Taken together, UV generated by the plasma torch may be crucial for efficient inactivation of H. pylori by damaging the bacterial DNA.

Assessment of test methods for evaluating effectiveness of cleaning flexible endoscopes.

BACKGROUND: Strict adherence to each step of reprocessing is imperative to removing potentially infectious agents. Multiple methods for verifying proper reprocessing exist; however, each presents challenges and limitations, and best practice within the industry has not been established. Our goal was to evaluate endoscope cleaning verification tests with particular interest in the evaluation of the manual cleaning step. The results of the cleaning verification tests were compared with microbial culturing to see if a positive cleaning verification test would be predictive of microbial growth. METHODS: This study was conducted at 2 high-volume endoscopy units within a multisite health care system. Each of the 90 endoscopes were tested for adenosine triphosphate, protein, microbial growth via agar plate, and rapid gram-negative culture via assay. The endoscopes were tested in 3 locations: the instrument channel, control knob, and elevator mechanism. RESULTS: This analysis showed substantial level of agreement between protein detection postmanual cleaning and protein detection post-high-level disinfection at the control head for scopes sampled sequentially. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that if protein is detected postmanual cleaning, there is a significant likelihood that protein will also be detected post-high-level disinfection. It also infers that a cleaning verification test is not predictive of microbial growth.

Reutilização do detergente enzimático: avaliação do impacto da contaminação microbiana da solução na efetividade da limpeza de aparelhos endoscópicos gastrointestinais / Enzymatic detergent reuse: evaluation of the impact of the solution's microbial contamination on the cleaning effectiveness of gastrointestinal endoscopes

No Brasil, é recomendado que durante a limpeza dos Produtos para Saúde (PPS) o detergente utilizado possua ação enzimática. Embora a Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada nº 55 de 14 de novembro de 2012 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária desaconselhe a reutilização desta solução de limpeza, sabe-se que na prática clínica elas são reaproveitadas por diversas vezes para imersão de PPS, como os aparelhos endoscópicos, o que pode comprometer a efetividade da ação do detergente enzimático e com isso a segurança no processamento do PPS. Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar a carga microbiana presente na solução de detergente enzimático durante sua reutilização na limpeza manual de aparelhos endoscópicos gastrointestinais. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal realizado em um serviço de endoscopia digestiva de um hospital universitário de Belo Horizonte e no Laboratório de Microbiologia Oral e Anaeróbios do ICB/UFMG. A amostra foi composta por 57 aparelhos endoscópicos e 76 alíquotas de solução de detergente enzimáticos coletadas de diversos reusos de 19 diferentes soluções. O material coletado foi agitado em vórtex, acrescido a Caldo Letheem Modificado e submetido a filtração em membrana Millipore® 0,45µm. A membrana foi depositada em Tryptic Soy Ágar para crescimento microbiano. A identificação presuntiva dos micro-organismos foi realizada manualmente considerando-se aspectos morfotintoriais e reações bioquímico/fisiológicas. As variáveis foram descritas utilizando frequências, porcentagens e medidas de tendência central. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (CAAE ­ 67493417.1.0000.5149). As médias das cargas microbianas na solução de detergente enzimático variaram de 19,9 UFC/mL após primeiro uso, 51,1 UFC/mL após terceiro uso e 67,1UFC/mL após o quinto reuso. Nos canais de ar/água e biópsia houve aumento de micro-organismos Gram negativos ao longo das reutilizações do detergente. Foram recuperados, Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphyloccocus aureus, Staphyloccocus coagulase negativa. Pseudomonas spp. foi o micro-organismo mais identificado em todas as alíquotas coletadas. Verificou-se a importância da escovação do canal de biópsia para correta remoção de micro-organismos. Conclui-se que a reutilização das soluções de detergente enzimático contribuiu para contaminação dos aparelhos endoscópicos com micro-organismos potencialmente patogênicos. Faz-se necessário a reavaliação de protocolos institucionais, no sentido de que seja cumprida a orientação da Anvisa por meio da RDC nº 55 de 14 de novembro de 2012 de que os detergentes enzimáticos não devem ser reutilizados sob perda da eficiência do produto. As características físico químicas dos detergentes enzimáticos devem ser respeitadas pelos serviços de saúde conforme parâmetros estabelecidos pelos fabricantes.(AU)

In Brazil, it is recommended that during the cleaning of Health Products the detergent used has enzymatic action. Although Collegiate Board Resolution No. 55 of November 14, 2012 of the National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance advises against the reuse of this cleaning solution, it is known that in clinical practice they are reused several times for immersion of health products, such a gastrointestinal endoscope, which may compromise the effectiveness of the enzymatic detergent action and thus the safety in the processing. This research aimed to evaluate the microbial load present in the enzymatic detergent solution during its reuse in the manual cleaning of endoscopic gastrointestinal devices. This was a cross-sectional study performed at a gastrointestinal endoscopy service at a university hospital in Belo Horizonte and at the Oral Microbiology and Anaerobic Laboratory of ICB/UFMG. The sample consisted of 57 endoscopes and 76 aliquots of enzymatic detergent solution collected from several replicates of 19 different solutions. The collected material was vortexed, added to Modified Letheem Broth and subjected to Millipore® 0.45 µm membrane filtration. The membrane was deposited in Tryptic Soy Ágar for microbial growth. The identification of the microorganisms was performed manually considering morphotintorial aspects and biochemical/physiological reactions. The variables were described using frequencies, percentages and measures of central tendency. The project was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (CAAE - 67493417.1.0000.5149). The mean values of the microbial loads in the enzymatic detergent solution varied from 19.9 UFC/mL after first use, 51.1 UFC/mL after third use and 67.1 UFC/mL after the fifth reuse. In the air/water and biopsy channels there was an increase of Gram negative microorganisms along the reuse of the detergent. Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphyloccocus were recovered. Pseudomonas spp. was the most identified microorganism in all aliquots collected. It was verified the importance of brushing the biopsy channel for correct removal of microorganisms. It was concluded that the reuse of enzyme detergent solutions contributed to the contamination of the endoscopes with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. It is necessary to re-evaluate institutional protocols, in order to comply with Anvisa's guidance through RDC nº. 55 of November 14, 2012 that enzymatic detergents should not be reused under loss of product efficiency. The physical characteristics of the enzymatic detergents must be observed by the health services according to the parameters established by the manufacturers.(AU)

Surveillance of Endoscopes: Comparison of Different Sampling Techniques.

OBJECTIVE To compare different techniques of endoscope sampling to assess residual bacterial contamination. DESIGN Diagnostic study. SETTING The endoscopy unit of an 1,100-bed university hospital performing ~13,000 endoscopic procedures annually. METHODS In total, 4 sampling techniques, combining flushing fluid with or without a commercial endoscope brush, were compared in an endoscope model. Based on these results, sterile physiological saline flushing with or without PULL THRU brush was selected for evaluation on 40 flexible endoscopes by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurement and bacterial culture. Acceptance criteria from the French National guideline (<25 colony-forming units [CFU] per endoscope and absence of indicator microorganisms) were used as part of the evaluation. RESULTS On biofilm-coated PTFE tubes, physiological saline in combination with a PULL THRU brush generated higher mean ATP values (2,579 relative light units [RLU]) compared with saline alone (1,436 RLU; P=.047). In the endoscope samples, culture yield using saline plus the PULL THRU (mean, 43 CFU; range, 1-400 CFU) was significantly higher than that of saline alone (mean, 17 CFU; range, 0-500 CFU; P<.001). In samples obtained using the saline+PULL THRU brush method, ATP values of samples classified as unacceptable were significantly higher than those of samples classified as acceptable (P=.001). CONCLUSION Physiological saline flushing combined with PULL THRU brush to sample endoscopes generated higher ATP values and increased the yield of microbial surveillance culture. Consequently, the acceptance rate of endoscopes based on a defined CFU limit was significantly lower when the saline+PULL THRU method was used instead of saline alone. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1062-1069.

Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence to validate decontamination of endoscopes.

The reports of outbreaks involving carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) associated with gastrointestinal endoscopy prompted a review and study of a novel method of assessing cleaning. This study assessed adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence to demonstrate cleanliness prior to endoscopy. ATP testing was compared with microbiological monitoring for 127 endoscopes. Samples were taken after cleaning, reprocessing and storage, but immediately before the endoscopy procedure. We recommend implementing ATP testing prior to endoscopy procedures as an alternative to microbiological testing at periodic intervals. ATP testing provides a convenient assessment of endoscopy hygiene to demonstrate safety and quality assurance.