Top 10 tips on endoscope decontamination
Best practice
Abstract:
This guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) covers:
quality
staff training
compatibility
identification
channel connection
manual cleaning
chemical compatibility
process validation
preventative maintenance
incident reporting
Category:
Control
Management
Prevention
Expert Review
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Summary:
The letter ‘Endoscope Decontamination’ ws sent by the MHRA following an incident reported from Northern Ireland concerning failure to decontaminate a flexible gastrointestinal endoscope adequately. A survey highlighted several other instances and in response the MHRA issued MDA 2004/28: Flexible and Rigid Endoscopes (June 23 2004) See www.mhra.gov.uk . In response to this device alert a total of 21 incidents were reported to the Task Force in England and an Expert Advisory Sub-group of the Task Force reviewed these. The letter outlines the problems found and conclusions reached and the poster was produced highlighting the issues and how they should be addressed. The poster aims to make sure that endoscope users are aware of the issues raised in the incidents highlighted.
Questions Addressed:
The letter outlines the problems found and conclusions reached following an immediate assessment of all endoscope decontamination processes in response to incidents in Northern Ireland and the subsequent issue of MDA 2004/28: Flexible and Rigid Endoscopes June 2004. The poster highlights these issues and how they should be addressed.
Type of Study:
Surveillance data, Fact Sheet
Methods Valid:
Yes
Methods Valid Detail:
Reasons for not instigating look back exercises outlined in letter.
Results Reliability:
Yes
Problems or Biases:
Does not outline how incompatibilities between endoscope and automated reprocessers manufacturers and communication between endoscope and endoscope-automated reprocessers manufacturers could be overcome in the future. Advice still relies on endoscopy staff only to check compatibility and this could result in further human error. Manufacturers need to take some responsibility.
Keywords:
Decontamination endoscope flexible gastrointestinal endoscope.
Reviewer Name:
Sue Wiseman
Reviewer Post:
Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH
Reviewer Affiliations:
Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association