Impact of scratches in the endoscopic forceps channel on the quality of endoscopic reprocessing

Abstract:

Objective To observe the occurrence of scratches in flexible endoscopic forceps channel, evaluate scratches on the quality of endoscopic reprocessing. Methods The lumens of 162 reprocessed endoscopic forceps channel in a general hospital were investigated, the occurrence of scratches in endoscopic forceps channel was observed with borescope, microorganisms in the lumen were detected, lumen with severe scratches and unqualified result of repeated culture was dismantled, scratch condition was observed under scanning electron microscope. Results Of 162 endoscopic forceps channels, 91.36% (n=148) had scratches, among which the black scratches accounted for 18.24%(27/148), the unqualified rate of microbial detection was 18.52%(5/27); yellow scratches accounted for 6.76%(10/148), the unqualified rate of microbial detection was 20.00%(2/10). After dismantling a severely scratched endoscopic forceps channel that was unqualified in repeated microbial detection, crisscross biofilms were observed under the scanning electron microscope. Conclusion Incidence of scratches in endoscopic forceps channel is high, which creates a good growth environment for the biofilm, affects the quality of endoscopic reprocessing. It is suggested to use the borescope to check the scratches in the forceps channel regularly, and to conduct microbial surveillance regularly.

Key words:flexible endoscope;forceps channel;borescope;scratch;reprocessing;microbial detection