Here are nine things to know.
1. Infection transmission as a result of GI endoscopes is extremely rare, and most reported cases are due to lapses in currently accepted endoscope reprocessing standards or defective equipment.
2. Endoscopes should undergo high-level disinfection.
3. Providers should focus on preventing transmission of highly resistant organisms through duodenoscopes, ensuring cleaning and HLD of the elevator mechanism and elevator wire channel.
4. Staff must be trained in endoscope reprocessing for effective infection control, and this training must be documented.
5. Endoscope reprocessing personnel competency should be assessed on an annual basis at minimum.
6. If reprocessing fails, the institution must inform the patient, local and/or state public health agencies, the FDA, the CDC and the equipment manufacturers immediately.
7. The endoscopy unit should comply with general infection control principles.
8. Use standard precautions to reduce infection transmission from patients to endoscopy personnel.
9. Endoscopy units must have a qualified director of infection prevention planning.
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