1. Pay attention to manufacturer recommendations for disinfecting instrumentation. Shaun Sweeney, vice president of sales and marketing for Cygnus Medical, explains ASCs should follow manufacturer recommendations, which may include using approximately 500 mL of enzymatic detergent and water to suction and flush out channels. Skipping the first step of suctioning enzymatic detergent through the suction channels will not only affect the efficacy of the channels being properly reprocessed but will also release high volumes of gross contamination into the soaking stage. “High-level disinfection is dependent on every stage being performed properly. A breakdown early on can affect the efficacy of the process later,” he says.
2. Be aware of cycle time for endoscope reprocessing. Cycle time is not as clear cut as it would seem. Some AERs have shorter cycles but only process one scope at a time, say Bradley J. Catalone, MD, Director of Clinical Affairs, and Mary Ann Drosnock, Infection Control Scientist, Olympus America. Others are dual scope units capable of reprocessing two scopes at once, either in a single basin for energy and cost efficiencies, or in two separate basins for independent cycle times. The best solution depends on your scope inventory and procedure load. If you have a heavy procedure volume but only a few scopes, you may be better off with an AER with a short cycle time and independent basin(s) for faster turnarounds. If you are a high volume facility with a robust scope inventory, a dual scope AER processing two scopes at one time might be your best option.
3. Replace equipment regularly. “Physicians just feel happier using new equipment,” says Ruth Keogh, RN, nurse manager at Digestive Health Associates Endoscopy Suites in Stoneham, Mass. In addition, updated versions of the equipment can improve quality and efficiency. For example, DHA Endoscopy recently acquired narrow-band imaging, which enhances the fine structure of the mucosal surface, helping to improve detection in a colonoscopy. The center also recently bought high-definition monitor screens, which allow physicians to see a lot more.
Related Articles on GI/Endoscopy:
6 Ways a One-Physician Endoscopy Center Maintains Success and Profitability
8 Steps for Proper Endoscope Maintenance
8 Facts and Stats About Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.