Comparison of the cleaning and disinfecting efficacy of four washer-disinfectors for flexible endoscopes.

Four washer-disinfectors (AdaptaScope, ETD-2Plus, Innova-E3, LS-2000) were compared. The cleaning and process efficacies of the washer-disinfectors were determined by visible examination and by microbial reduction factor (RF) using the German test method (EN ISO/TS 15883-5). Test pieces were contaminated with blood and Enterococcus faecium.

Freely accessible endoscope channels improve efficacy of cleaning.

Background And Study Aims: Inadequate cleaning and disinfection of medical devices, including flexible endoscopes, can result in the transmission of micro-organisms to patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the design of medical devices on the efficacy of manual cleaning of endoscope channels.

Materials And Methods: The investigation was carried out using four endoscopes (two duodenoscopes and two gastroscopes).