Highlights
- •High level disinfection of cystoscopes and biopsy probes is complex and high risk.
- •Training and competency on reprocessing cystoscopes and biopsy probes is essential.
- •Instrument reprocessing oversight is an important for patient safety.
- •Leadership oversight of reprocessing is an important in ambulatory settings.
High level disinfection (HLD) is a complex process, requiring appropriate materials
and highly trained personnel. An investigation of the HLD process was performed at
an outpatient urology practice upon notification of expired chemical test strips being
utilized. Infection Prevention (IP) identified various breaches in the reprocessing
of flexible cystoscopes and transrectal prostate biopsy probes. Contributing factors
identified were gaps in staff training, availability of all necessary supplies and
staff supervision.
Key words
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References
- An outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary tract infections following outpatient flexible cystoscopy.Am J Infect Control. 2019; 47: 1510-1512
Guide to infection prevention for outpatient settings: minimum expectations for safe care. Version 2.3. 2016. Accessed January 18, 2022.2 https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/pdf/outpatient/guide.pdf
Rutala,W. Weber, D. and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). 2019. Guideline for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities, 2008. Accessed November 2, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/pdf/guidelines/disinfection-guidelines-H.pdf
- Reprocessing semi-critical items: outbreaks and current issues.Am J Infect Control. 2019; 47: A79-A89
AAMI ST 91. Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, ANSI/AAMI ST91:2015
Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 30, 2022
Footnotes
Conflicts of interest: None to report
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
