A recent report published in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the scientific journal of the ASGE, discusses the role various technologies play in monitoring endoscope reprocessing quality.
Emerging technologies
• Microbial culture: Culturing for bacterial load
• Bioburden assays: Evaluating residual bioburden and organic matter
• Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence testing: Testing for ATP bioluminescence, which is present in microorganisms and human cells
Future research
• Establishment and validation of bioburden/microbial benchmarks
• Establishment and validation of ATP bioluminescence thresholds after reprocessing
• Assessment of cost-effectiveness of endoscope reprocessing surveillance strategies
• Large prospective studies to assess clinical and cost-effective value of various surveillance technologies
• Potentially incorporating bioburden/microbial assessments into automated endoscope reprocessors
More articles on gastroenterology:
TIF vs. traditional surgical GERD treatment: 7 things to know
Are surveillance colonoscopy practices due for an update?
5 things to know about colonoscopy payment: AGA bundle vs. Medicare model
