BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Flexible nasendoscopy is an important procedure that's use
is ever increasing in ambulatory care settings. However, there are no ENT endoscope
reprocessing guidelines other than those put forth by the manufacturers. In the 1990's
a sterile barrier sheath protection system between the scope and the patient was developed
for use; current technology includes a nasendoscope sheath. Recent guidelines suggest
endoscopes employing disposable components (e.g., protective barrier devices or sheaths)
can provide an alternative to conventional liquid chemical high-level disinfection/sterilization.
To date, no studies in the literature address the following: Does the sheath maintain
its integrity in use, does the sheath protect the in-use nasendoscope from microbial
contamination, and does this protection justify reprocessing of the nasendoscope to
include thorough cleaning with enzymatic detergent, followed by 70% ethanol wipe of
the entire instrument and air dry – eliminating the use of high-level disinfectants?
To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
Purchase one-time access:
Academic & Personal: 24 hour online accessCorporate R&D Professionals: 24 hour online accessOne-time access price info
- For academic or personal research use, select 'Academic and Personal'
- For corporate R&D use, select 'Corporate R&D Professionals'
Subscribe:
Subscribe to American Journal of Infection ControlAlready a print subscriber? Claim online access
Already an online subscriber? Sign in
Register: Create an account
Institutional Access: Sign in to ScienceDirect
Article Info
Publication History
2:45-3:00 pmPublication Number 235
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
