

Volume 4, Issue 4(Suppl)
J Infect Dis Ther 2016
ISSN: 2332-0877, JIDT an open access journal
Page 36
Notes:
Infectious Diseases 2016
August 24-26, 2016
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August 24-26, 2016 Philadelphia, USA
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Infectious Diseases
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International Conference on
ATP as a useful method in controlling cleanliness of flexible endoscopes
Paul J Caesar
University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands
A
lthough quality of reprocessing FES has improved over the past decades and permanent controls of process parameters in
the automated endoscope washers (AEW) are continuously performed, improper or ineffective cleaning, disinfection, drying
and storage (reprocessing) of reusable flexible endoscopes (FES) can pose a serious infection risk to patients. Despite of all quality
improvements and a strong believe in validated process parameters of the AEW, in the UMCG FES with channels are still frequently
and routinely microbiological (bacterial) sampled by retrograde flushing of all channels. For example, based on historical outcomes,
each duodenoscope is sampled every week. Although FES safely passed the process in the AEW, a part of reprocessed FES showed
to be positive in microbiological cultures, even with resistant bacteria. This additional screening of microbial quality of reprocessed
FES could be regarded as an essential method to detect pitfalls in reprocessing or the state of art quality of FES especially in FES with
channels. However, microbial screening is labor-intensive (and thus cost-expensive), takes a long time and only microbial (bacterial)
contamination is verifiable. Based on literature and two short surveys in which we studied the use of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
bioluminescence as an alternative in checking the cleanliness of reprocessed ENT-endoscopes and duodenoscopes, we conclude
that ATP is a quick, easy and reliable method for regularly monitoring the cleanliness of reprocessed FES. Because it’s broader
spectrum including all possible organic contamination (e.g., tissue), it has a positive effect on the whole quality and safety process
on reprocessing FES and a safe release and use for following patients. ATP can replace high frequent routine microbiological testing,
which should only be indicated on clinical problems possible related with the use of FES or when outcomes on ATP indicates the need
of further and more in-depth research.
Biography
Paul J Caesar has 25 years of experience in hygiene and infection control. He is presently working as an Expert in Medical Devices and Reprocessing Flexible Endoscopes
in the Department of Medical Affairs, Quality and Safety of one of the largest university hospitals in the Netherlands. He has published papers on endoscope reprocessing,
hand hygiene and other items on infection control. He has also developed teaching programs on reprocessing flexible endoscopes and cleaning, disinfection and sterilization
of medical devices and a nationwide education program on hygiene and infection control for infection control practitioners in hospitals and public health. He is a chair of a
Dutch Expert Group for reprocessing flexible endoscopes.
p.caesar@umcg.nlPaul J Caesar, J Infect Dis Ther 2016, 4:4(Suppl)
http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2332-0877.C1.008