Clin Endosc.  2015 Sep;48(5):369-373. 10.5946/ce.2015.48.5.369.

Recent Update on Microbiological Monitoring of Gastrointestinal Endoscopes after High-Level Disinfection

• Shin SP
• Kim WH

• KMID: 2148546
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2015.48.5.369

Abstract

Endoscopy-related infections are important contributors to nosocomial infections. Endoscope reprocessing according to standard guidelines ensures high-level disinfection and prevents endoscopy-related infections. Microbiological surveillance may help in monitoring the effectiveness of gastrointestinal endoscope disinfection. The process involves microbial cultures and non-culture methods such as bioburden assays, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence, and quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Surveillance culturing to monitor endoscopes after reprocessing has been recommended by a majority of organizations. Bioburden assays, ATP bioluminescence, and quantitative PCRs provide rapid and reliable measures. Each institution will have to try to establish its own surveillance guidelines.

Keyword

Endoscopes, gastrointestinal; Reprocessing; Monitoring

MeSH Terms

Adenosine Triphosphate
Cross Infection
Disinfection*
Endoscopes
Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal*
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Adenosine Triphosphate