TECH Talk: Point-of-Use Cleaning

01.15.2019 • Industry News

Manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) and guidelines from AORN, SGNA, ANSI/AMMI, and IAHCSMM collectively recommend more than 100 individual steps for reprocessing flexible endoscopes. Although the guidelines and manufacturer’s IFU don’t always agree on best practices for reprocessing, they all emphasize the importance of point-of-use cleaning as the first step in successful reprocessing of flexible endoscopes.

The primary purposes of point-of-use cleaning, often referred to as “bedside cleaning” are to prepare the endoscope for transport and further reprocessing and to prevent the formation of biofilm. Biofilm is a thin layer of microorganisms in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances that adhere to a surface and is resistant to ordinary cleaning methods. (Learn more about biofilm in the August TECH Talk: What’s the big deal about biofilm?)

The general steps in point-of-use cleaning of flexible endoscopes include:

1. Use a freshly-prepared cleaning detergent solution to wipe the exterior of the insertion tube with a clean, lint-free cloth or sponge.

2. Suction cleaning detergent solution through endoscope suction channel channels

3. Flush air, water, and other channels with cleaning detergent solution, followed by a final air flush.

4. Visually inspect endoscope for damage.

5. Maintain a moist environment during transport of soiled endoscope to the reprocessing area in a closed container that is clearly marked with a biohazard symbol.

TECH Talk Tip: Pre-treatment foams and sprays can be used to maintain a moist environment and prevent organic debris from drying and hardening on the exterior and interior of the endoscope.