More hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are linked to flexible endoscope usage than any other medical device, research shows.
For that reason, clinicians, researchers and manufacturers alike strive for answers to the challenges posed by contaminated endoscopes and the HAIs they can cause.
A literature review published in February 2023 in the Journal of Infection Prevention offered insight into bronchoscopes specifically, finding that the cross-contamination rate of patient-ready reusable bronchoscopes is greater than 8 percent. That meta-analysis includes eight studies of 2,169 samples with a finding of 149 positive tests.
Although bronchoscopy is widely considered a safe procedure, cross-contamination from reusable flexible bronchoscopes has been detected in several outbreaks around the world.
The Risk of HAIs
Contaminated reusable flexible bronchoscopes have been linked to outbreaks of a number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Microorganisms can be transmitted from previous patients or by contaminated reprocessing equipment or contaminated endoscopes, the authors wrote.
Cross-contamination from patient-ready endoscopes, while rare, is concerning because studies show reprocessing does not guarantee 100 percent removal of all organisms from scopes — even when all guidelines are followed.
Single-use endoscopes, like those designed by Ambu, eliminate the need for reprocessing and repairs and offer additional protection for patients and staff.
To help limit the risks of cross-contamination in reusable endoscopes, many flexible endoscope manufacturers have proposed design changes to include disposable components, particularly for endoscopes used in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP.
It Takes A Team
Adequate reprocessing of flexible endoscopes requires an all-hands approach including involvement by physician and device manufacturers, coupled with resources for technician training, according to experts.
Flexible endoscope reprocessing requires as many as 100 steps or more and can take up to two hours to complete. These steps, which must be followed carefully and sequentially, easily can fall victim to human error and delays.
