Improving Quality and Safety in the Endoscopy Unit (Virtual) | November 2025-Infection Control in GI Endoscopy: Global Overview

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker discusses the critical importance of infection control in endoscopy, addressing both endogenous (patient-related) and exogenous (cross-patient and patient-staff) infections. Endoscopy generally poses a low risk for systemic bacteremia, with higher risk linked to therapeutic procedures and specific patient conditions, guiding antibiotic use. Staff face standard healthcare-related infection risks mitigated by universal precautions, rigorous hand hygiene, protective equipment, and vaccination. Patient-to-patient infections often stem from lapses in endoscope reprocessing, with drying and storage being vital steps. The presenter highlights challenges with duodenoscopes due to their complex design causing outbreaks of multi-drug-resistant infections, prompting enhanced protocols like double high-level disinfection, culture surveillance, and distal cap redesign. Single-use duodenoscopes offer infection elimination but raise cost and environmental concerns. Overall, a multidisciplinary approach, strict adherence to protocols, staff training, and culture of safety are essential for minimizing infection risks in endoscopy.

Asset Subtitle

Rahul Pannala, MD, MPH, FASGE

Keywords

infection control

endoscopy

endoscope reprocessing

duodenoscope challenges

multi-drug-resistant infections

single-use duodenoscopes