Medical Endoscope Cleaning and Maintenance

When operating a medical endoscope, handle gently. Rotate the bend handle slowly and evenly, avoiding excessive force or force. Do not rotate the bend handle while it is "fixed," as this may break the traction wire. When holding the camera, firmly grip the joints of the camera and handle; avoid gripping the cable harness or hanging joints, as this may damage the fiber optic bundle.

After use, fiber optic endoscope instruments should be wiped clean with sterile water immediately. Do not disassemble and soak instruments to avoid loss or retention inside the body.

Postoperative Endoscope Cleaning and Maintenance

Equip with appropriate cleaning equipment and supplies, instrument cleaning solution, solvent, rust remover, and lubricant. Cleaning equipment includes: a running water disinfection tank (three tanks: cleaning tank, enzyme washing tank, and rust removal tank), a high-pressure water gun, drying equipment, a timer, ventilation facilities, various brushes, gauze, and cotton swabs.

Rinsing and washing to remove residue: Immediately after the endoscope and instruments are removed, detachable parts are thoroughly rinsed in a cleaning tank with running water to remove blood, mucus, and other residues, and then dried. Clamps, various surgical forceps, scissors, and joint detachment instruments are brushed with a soft-bristled brush, and all cavities, catheters, and lumens are rinsed with a high-pressure water gun.

Disinfection and enzyme washing: After drying, the endoscope and instruments are immersed in a 1:270 all-purpose enzyme cleaning solution for 30 minutes, or cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner for 5-10 minutes.

Rinsing: After immersion in the all-purpose enzyme cleaning solution, the endoscope and instruments are thoroughly rinsed in a rinsing tank with running water. For instruments with lumens, a high-pressure water gun is used to spray and rinse to remove the all-purpose enzyme cleaning solution and loosened contaminants from the tubing. When cleaning disassembled instruments, not only the outer surface of the instrument is rinsed, but also the joints, bends, and lumens are thoroughly brushed with a soft brush. Care should be taken to avoid scratching the endoscope surface when brushing.

Rust prevention and removal: After the above treatment, immerse the instruments in a prepared 1:7 rust remover solution for 10 minutes, then rinse with clean water.

Lubrication and maintenance: After rinsing, immerse the instruments in a 1:15 lubricant solution for 2-3 minutes, then remove and air dry or air dry.

When using endoscopes, it is best to have them operated by qualified professionals. If appropriate, training should be provided to relevant personnel. Fiber optic endoscopes are precision and expensive equipment and should be managed by designated personnel. Before use, strict pre-job training should be conducted according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure familiarity with their performance, characteristics, principles, operating procedures, usage, and maintenance methods to minimize damage to the instrument.