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UV light-based reprocessing of flexible endoscopes without working channel in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology: an effective method?
- Source :
-
European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery [Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol] 2021 Oct; Vol. 278 (10), pp. 4075-4080. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Mar 13. - Publication Year :
- 2021
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Abstract
- Background: Reprocessing of flexible endoscopes (FEs) is often expensive, time consuming, and becomes increasingly complex, due to rising demands of hygiene. After beneficial results in reprocessing of rigid endoscopes using Impelux™ UV-C light technology, we tested the same method for reprocessing of FEs without working channel.<br />Materials and Methods: Testing was performed on FEs without working channel after routine clinical use (transnasal flexible endoscopy). Disinfection consisted of mechanical precleaning and 60 s exposure to Impelux™ UV-C light technology. Bacterial contamination was tested on 50 FEs before and after disinfection. Further 50 FEs regarding protein residuals. The absolute effectiveness of the D60 was tested on 50 test bodies (RAMS) with a standardized contamination of 10 <superscript>7</superscript> colony-forming units (CFU) of Enterococcus faecium.<br />Results: The FEs were contaminated with a high average value of 916.7 CFU (± 1057 CFU) after clinical usage. After reprocessing, an average contamination of 2.8 CFU (± 1.6) on 14% (n = 7) of the FEs was detected consisting of non-pathogenic species, the remaining FE were sterile. After reprocessing, all FEs were protein-free (< 1 μg). The artificially contaminated test bodies showed no remaining bacterial contamination after disinfection, resulting in an average absolute germ reduction of about 10 <superscript>7</superscript>  CFU.<br />Conclusion: Impelux™ UV-C light technology efficiently reduces bacterial contamination of FEs and might be useful in daily practice.<br /> (© 2021. The Author(s).)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1434-4726
- Volume :
- 278
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 33713189
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-021-06737-1