When asked in an article on the Infection Control Today website about the most challenging issues related to scope cleaning and sterilization, one expert cited dried blood and organic matter on reusable endoscopes and other medical devices. According to the article, dried matter can impede proper cleaning and disinfection.
Along with the instrument's complexities from model to model, this can lead a reprocessing technician to miss slight variations in the design. Seemingly minor missteps can lead to incomplete cleaning of a device and potentially lead to inadequate disinfection even when following facility procedures, the article said.
The article also cited best practices that can help address scope-cleaning challenges. According to one expert, technicians should receive initial training and continuing competencies for manual cleaning. Having the correct tools necessary to do the job is also key, the article said.
Read the article.
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