1231 CE Online (1)

3. Start the leakage test by either: a) activating the machine to the recommended pressure, or b) closing the knurled screw on the inflating bulb and inflating it to the recommended pressure. 4. The manufacturer may have you submerge the endoscope in clear water during the inflation step of the leakage test. If so, use only clear water and check the water for any air bubbles; watch if the pressure is falling on the pressure gauge. These are sure signs that the covering is compromised and the endoscope will need to be taken out of service for repair. A later section of this learning activity, “REPAIRS,” will describe how to prepare the endoscope prior to shipping for repair. 5. If the pressure remains constant and no air bubbles appear, the endoscope’s covering is intact. 6. Release the pressure and wait! Release the pressure on the machine or manually unscrew the knurled screw on the inflating bulb. Ensure ALL of the pressure has been released before disconnecting the locking collar from the endoscope’s connector. Proceed with disassembly and cleaning. Disassembly and Cleaning in CSSD Even if your facility has an automated machine to process the endoscope, it is recommended that a manual leakage test and a manual cleaning process are performed before using an automated machine. Make sure the gas cap is not connected to the endoscope during cleaning! The gas cap is only for low-temperature sterilization; do not attach it when using any type of liquid with the flexible endoscope. Always start with fresh enzymatic detergent solution and a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Disassemble any removable parts from the endoscope and place into an enzymatic detergent solution (see Figure 12). Allow the endoscope and any parts to soak in the solution for the prescribed time to loosen any debris on the surface or in the channels. While the endoscope is soaking, use this time to brush the removable parts or wash the light cable. Do not use any abrasive cleaners or metal brushes to clean endoscopes. Flexible endoscopes should never be cleaned using the ultrasonic machine! Figure 12 – Soak the Endoscope and Brush the Accessories

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