The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates has released position statements on reprocessing of endoscopic accessories and valves and reprocessing of water bottles used during endoscopy, according to an Infection Control Today report.
SGNA crafted its seven-part position on accessories and valves reprocessing to ensure patient safety and includes the following:
1. Accessories, valves and tubings labeled as reusable must be reprocessed according to manufacturer's instructions.
2. Accessories, valves and tubings labeled as single-use must not be reprocessed or reused.
3. Accessories that are classified as critical medical devices require sterilization.
4. Following each use of the endoscope, valves must be removed, manually cleaned and high-level disinfected or sterilized according to the original equipment manufacturer's instructions. This must occur as part of the cleaning and disinfecting process for the endoscope.
5. When using an automated endoscope reprocessor, the AER must have been validated to reprocess the accessory, and the manufacturer's instructions regarding reprocessing of valves must be followed.
6. Channel cleaning adaptors, reusable cleaning brushes and other reprocessing accessories should be reprocessed according to manufacturer's instructions after each use.
7. Accessories, valves and tubings should be inspected for integrity and cleanliness before, during and after use. Damaged or soiled items should be removed from service immediately.
The SGNA's position on reprocessing water bottles involved in endoscopy includes:
1. The water bottle is to be manually cleaned and high-level disinfected or sterilized (according to manufacturer's recommendations) at least daily. Prior to storage, there should be no residual fluid or moisture remaining in the water bottle assembly. All water bottle surfaces are thoroughly dried to reduce the potential for bacterial colonizations.
2. Sterile water should be used in the water bottle for all endoscopic procedures.
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SGNA crafted its seven-part position on accessories and valves reprocessing to ensure patient safety and includes the following:
1. Accessories, valves and tubings labeled as reusable must be reprocessed according to manufacturer's instructions.
2. Accessories, valves and tubings labeled as single-use must not be reprocessed or reused.
3. Accessories that are classified as critical medical devices require sterilization.
4. Following each use of the endoscope, valves must be removed, manually cleaned and high-level disinfected or sterilized according to the original equipment manufacturer's instructions. This must occur as part of the cleaning and disinfecting process for the endoscope.
5. When using an automated endoscope reprocessor, the AER must have been validated to reprocess the accessory, and the manufacturer's instructions regarding reprocessing of valves must be followed.
6. Channel cleaning adaptors, reusable cleaning brushes and other reprocessing accessories should be reprocessed according to manufacturer's instructions after each use.
7. Accessories, valves and tubings should be inspected for integrity and cleanliness before, during and after use. Damaged or soiled items should be removed from service immediately.
The SGNA's position on reprocessing water bottles involved in endoscopy includes:
1. The water bottle is to be manually cleaned and high-level disinfected or sterilized (according to manufacturer's recommendations) at least daily. Prior to storage, there should be no residual fluid or moisture remaining in the water bottle assembly. All water bottle surfaces are thoroughly dried to reduce the potential for bacterial colonizations.
2. Sterile water should be used in the water bottle for all endoscopic procedures.
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