1231 CE Online (1)

Pre-Cleaning the Endoscope in the Patient Care Area As with a rigid endoscope, the flexible endoscope should be pre-cleaned in the patient care area before transferring to CSSD or designated reprocessing area for terminal reprocessing: 1. Flush the channels with solution using a syringe or use the room suction to suction the solution through the channels (see Figure 10). 2. Wipe the surfaces with a sponge dampened with water or enzymatic detergent or use an enzymatic detergent sponge. 3. Rinse the surface and suction the channels with tap or sterile water. 4. Secure the endoscope in a transport container with a lid or a transport bag to keep it moist during transport. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before applying any enzymatic pre-treat spray to the endoscope. 5. Place the secured endoscope within an approved transport cart and ensure there are no instruments or equipment lying on top of the endoscope. 6. Transport to the Central Sterile and Supply Department (CSSD) or designated reprocessing area as soon as possible for terminal reprocessing. Figure 10 – Pre-Cleaning the Endoscope in the Patient Care Area

Never use sterile saline or saline solution of any kind to clean an endoscope! Saline can damage the metal and epoxy that hold the lenses in place. Transport after Procedure to a Terminal Reprocessing Area Flexible endoscopes can be used in various facility patient care areas that are unaccustomed to using and transporting flexible endoscopes. These patient care areas may be using the endoscope during off-hours or weekends (eg, Emergency Department, Respiratory Department, or CCU to list a few). All of these variables present a challenge to ensuring the flexible endoscope is used as intended, pre-cleaned after the procedure and returned in a timely fashion to reprocess. If the flexible endoscope is left unattended

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