Improving Quality and Safety in the Endoscopy Unit (Virtual) | November 2025-Infection Control in Endoscopy: The Nuts and Bolts

Pdf Summary

This presentation by James Collins, an Endoscopy Accreditation Program Manager, addresses essential infection control practices in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, highlighting common deficiencies, occupational concerns, environmental hygiene, and the creation of a safety culture.<br /><br />Key findings reveal significant lapses in endoscope reprocessing, including incomplete brushing (57%), inadequate drying of channels (55%), use of inappropriate water during leak tests (22%), skipped air purge (16%), and failure to flush with alcohol (14%). Additional issues include lack of Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC) testing of disinfectants and improper personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.<br /><br />Endoscope reprocessing involves multiple crucial steps: pre-cleaning, leak testing, manual cleaning, rinsing, inspection, high-level disinfection, drying, and storage. Strict adherence is vital to prevent infection transmission. The presentation stresses that infection control extends beyond instrument processing to include proper tubing changes, accessory processing, medication management, caregiver hand contamination, environmental cleaning, and PPE compliance.<br /><br />Occupational concerns noted include pressures to work quickly (75%), musculoskeletal discomfort (40% back/neck soreness), and PPE-related issues such as discomfort (27%) and skin irritation (20%) which affect job performance and attendance.<br /><br />Environmental hygiene emphasizes rigorous cleaning protocols, especially when managing patients with C. difficile, knowledge of disinfectant wipe wet times, and ensuring proper function of eye wash stations. Medication and sharps safety, safe storage, and hand hygiene compliance are critical components.<br /><br />Creating a culture of safety involves comprehensive orientation, competency verification, ongoing education, infection prevention and exposure control plans, accessible policies, and adherence to manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets.<br /><br />The presentation ends with practice pearl reminders that infections from GI endoscopy are rare but demand strict adherence to established standards to eradicate HIV, HCV, HBV, and bacterial pathogens. A series of multiple-choice questions reinforce key infection control concepts.<br /><br />References include recent literature and Joint Commission guidelines emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance in endoscopy infection control.<br /><br />In summary, meticulous endoscope reprocessing, adherence to infection control protocols, staff education, and environmental sanitation are critical to maintaining safe GI endoscopy practices and preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Asset Subtitle

Jim Collins, BS, RN, CNOR

Keywords

Endoscopy Infection Control

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Endoscope Reprocessing

Infection Prevention

Occupational Health in Endoscopy

Environmental Hygiene

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety Culture in Healthcare

Healthcare-Associated Infections

Disinfectant Protocols