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

Infection Control in Endoscopy: The Nuts and Bolts – What You Need to Know for Your Unit

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation addresses infection prevention challenges in busy GI endoscopy units, emphasizing that while endoscope reprocessing is critical, broader practices also impact safety. Regulatory bodies frequently find deficiencies in instrument processing, hand hygiene, PPE use, and environmental sanitation. Common issues include improper tubing use, inadequate cleaning of reusable devices, and lapses in PPE protocols. The speaker highlights the need for strict adherence to manufacturer instructions, proper training, skill verification, and thorough documentation. Environmental hygiene, safe medication practices, and storage protocols also require vigilance to prevent contamination. Regular maintenance of reprocessing equipment and monitoring hand hygiene compliance are essential. Leadership involvement fostering a safety culture and regular staff education on infection control principles are crucial. Resources like the ASGE and SG&A guidelines support best practices. Overall, the goal is to prevent normalization of deviance and ensure infection prevention protocols are consistently and correctly followed to safeguard patient health in endoscopy settings.

Asset Subtitle

Jim Collins, BS, RN, CNOR

Keywords

infection prevention

GI endoscopy safety

endoscope reprocessing

hand hygiene compliance

PPE protocols