1231 CE Online (1)

Figure 14 – Flush the Channels with the Correct Pressure Device

Do not use a brush to clean the eyepiece and the distal lens! Use only a soft cloth to clean the eyepiece and distal lens. Rinsing the Endoscope and Channels Thoroughly rinse the scope’s surface and channels with tap or, ideally, with treated water for the number of flushes prescribed by the manufacturer. It is very important to use the prescribed pressure settings for the pressurized water flush device! Pressure that’s too high can cause the channel’s lining to tear, resulting in unnecessary repairs. Use the water flush device recommended by the manufacturer and the manufacturer’s prescribed pressure and number of pulses for the device. It is very important to rinse all detergent from the channels and endoscope. Detergent residue could impede sterilization or high- level disinfection and aid in the formation of biofilm. Disinfection Prior to Assembly Decontamination removes some bacterial contamination, but not all. For safe handling, your hospital may use a disinfectant prior to transferring the endoscope to the assembly side of CSSD or transfer to the patient care area for clean storage or further processing. A disinfection cycle can be completed manually, with a machine that only disinfects, or with a machine that cleans and disinfects. When using a manual process, ensure that all of the disinfectant solution has direct contact with all surfaces and channels of the endoscope in order for the chemical to be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for details on disinfection following manual cleaning, whether that is a manual or machine process.

20