Cleaning And Disinfection Of Medical Endoscopes

Before using a medical optical endoscope, it is essential to carefully read the relevant user manual. While understanding the endoscope's design, manufacturing process, and performance, pay attention to the operating instructions and warnings. In addition to correct use, proper disinfection, cleaning, storage, and maintenance are also crucial . Below, we will discuss the cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of medical optical/fiber optic endoscopes, focusing on the environmental requirements for use, pre- and post-operative procedures, and post-operative cleaning and disinfection.

Immerse the dried endoscope in a multi-enzyme cleaning solution for the specified time, as instructed in the user manual.

Immediately after use, rinse thoroughly with running water and dry.

Thoroughly brush the joints, bends, and lumens of the instrument with a soft brush, taking care to avoid scratching the endoscope surface.

Thoroughly clean all components of the endoscope. The lumen should be thoroughly rinsed with a high-pressure water gun. Removable parts must be disassembled for cleaning and then ultrasonically cleaned for 5-10 minutes.

Sterilization methods for fiber optic endoscopes: Sterilize using a WAYWIN2000 medical sterilizer for 30 minutes; or use ethylene oxide for sterilization. In recent years, more medical institutions have chosen low-temperature formaldehyde steam sterilizers, which offer reliable sterilization without dulling the lens. Endoscopes or endoscope components suitable for pressure steam sterilization should be sterilized using pressure steam, carefully following the endoscope's instruction manual for temperature and time selection.

Endoscopes and accessories that cannot be sterilized using pressure steam can be sterilized by soaking in 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde for 10 hours.

When sterilizing with disinfectant, instruments with joints should have their joints fully opened, and instruments with lumens should have the lumen fully filled with disinfectant.