What is Endoscopy?
“An endoscopy involves examining the inside of a person's body using an endoscope. An endoscope is a medical device consisting of a long, thin, flexible (or rigid) tube which has a light and a video camera. Images of the inside of the patient's body can be seen on a screen. The whole endoscopy is recorded so that doctors can check it again. Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic medical procedure. It is used to examine the interior surfaces of an organ or tissue.”
Medical News Today
Medical News Today
Endoscope Procedures
Endoscope Types
- Brochoscopes
- Cystoscopes
- GI (Gastrointestinal Scopes)
- Cystoscopes
- GI (Gastrointestinal Scopes)
- Gastroscope
- Duodenoscopes
- Colonoscopes
Endoscope Parts & Pieces
Why do we reprocess endoscopes?
According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy:
“Devices that come into contact with intact mucous membranes and does not ordinarily penetrate sterile tissue – need a minimum of High Level Disinfection (HLD), defined as the destruction of all vegetative microorganisms, mycobacteria, small or non-lipid viruses, medium or lipid viruses, fungal spores and some but not all, bacterial spores.”
In Short…BUGS.
“Devices that come into contact with intact mucous membranes and does not ordinarily penetrate sterile tissue – need a minimum of High Level Disinfection (HLD), defined as the destruction of all vegetative microorganisms, mycobacteria, small or non-lipid viruses, medium or lipid viruses, fungal spores and some but not all, bacterial spores.”
In Short…BUGS.
What defines the process?
All surfaces exterior and interior on the flexible endoscope need to be pre-cleaned, leak tested, manually cleaned, high level disinfected, dried and the stored as defined by SGNA 2010 Best Practices.
Where does the cleaning process start?
Cleaning starts at the bedside once the scope has left the patient and then travels to a reprocessing department either in the general area of the procedure rooms or down to the MDR (Medical Device Reprocessing Department.) Our Reprocessing solution can be placed in either department.