1231 CE Online (1)

Brushing and Flushing the Channels Brush the channels of operative endoscopes with the correct-size brush. The correct brush is the key to removing the debris from the scope’s channels and accessories. The brush needs to have the correct bristle diameter and length to fit the endoscope. The brush’s bristles should touch the wall of the channel without folding or bending during cleaning. The correct method to brush the endoscope channels is as follows. 1. Always brush the channels while they are submerged in the enzymatic solution to avoid aerosolization of contaminants. 2. Always advance the brush completely through the channels past the distal end of the endoscope. LOOK AT THE BRUSH – are the bristles and brush attachment intact, in good working order? If the brush has a handle on the opposite end, swish the brush bristles in the cleaning solution and then pull the brush completely back through the channels. If no handle, continue to pull the brush through the channel and then clean the bristles. Make sure the brush advances through the channels without kinking or bending. 3. Use a disposable brush if available. If using a reusable brush, ensure that the brush is routinely cleaned and disinfected. The brush bristles should be intact and not bent or broken, and the brush shaft should be straight with no kinks or broken edges. After the channels are brushed and while the endoscope is submerged, flush the channels with the enzymatic detergent solution using a pressure device (syringe or pistol) that will push the enzymatic solution through the channels. Use the manufacturer’s recommended pressure settings and number of pulses when using a water pistol or other flush device. Wash the outside of the endoscope with a soft cloth and brush the levers and stopcocks with a soft nylon brush. Do not use a brush to clean the eyepiece and the distal lens! Use only a soft cloth to clean these two lens areas. Rinsing the Endoscope and Channels Thoroughly rinse the scope’s surface and channels with tap or, ideally, treated water for the number of flushes and pressure settings of the water pistol or flush device prescribed by the manufacturer. It is very important to rinse the detergent from the channels and endoscope to prevent detergent residue that can aid in the formation of biofilm. Biofilm is very difficult to remove and can impede sterilization or HLD. Tap water contains particulates that increase the possibility of the formation of biofilm within the channels or instrument surfaces. Tap water can be treated to remove some of the minerals and bacteria commonly found in tap water. This “treated water” can include water that is demineralized, deionized, or subjected to reverse osmosis. Check with your maintenance department to understand the water treatment process that is used for your decontamination area.

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