Why endoscope pre-cleaning is crucial for patient safety

Make Pre-Cleaning essential to the routine

Pre-cleaning begins at the bedside immediately post procedure, following the removal of the insertion tube from the patient. Failure to perform this simple task could pose a serious threat to patient safety due to the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria.

The importance of a timely pre-clean helps to reduce the formation of biofilm and possibility of this drug resistant substance drying within the endoscope channels.

Biofilm thrives in moist environments and once it is allowed to dry it is almost impossible to remove. By pre-cleaning the endoscope immediately after use, this removes any debris or material and reduces the formation of  biofilm buildup. If this is not carried out straight away, further reprocessing and even high-level disinfection may be ineffective.

Read more about biofilm and how endoscope pre-cleaning reduces the risks to patient safety on Page 65 of the Clinical Services Journal June issue 2024.