Recent Update on Microbiological Monitoring of Gastrointestinal Endoscopes after High-Level Disinfection

• Published in: Clinical endoscopy Vol. 48; no. 5; pp. 369 - 373
• Main Authors: Shin, Suk Pyo, Kim, Won Hee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 01.09.2015; 대한소화기내시경학회
• Subjects: Focused Review Series: Endoscopic Disinfection in the Era of MERS; 내과학; Reprocessing; Endoscopes, gastrointestinal; Monitoring
• ISSN: 2234-2400; 2234-2443
• DOI: 10.5946/ce.2015.48.5.369

Endoscopy-related infections are important contributors to nosocomial infections. Endoscope reprocessing according to standard guidelines ensures high-level disinfection and prevents endoscopy-related infections. Microbiological surveillance may help in monitoring the effectiveness of gastrointestinal endoscope disinfection. The process involves microbial cultures and non-culture methods such as bioburden assays, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence, and quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Surveillance culturing to monitor endoscopes after reprocessing has been recommended by a majority of organizations. Bioburden assays, ATP bioluminescence, and quantitative PCRs provide rapid and reliable measures. Each institution will have to try to establish its own surveillance guidelines.