Expert in microbiological
control

The treatment of endoscopes in hospitals is a priority in order to prevent infections associated with endoscopic procedures. This cleaning must be carried out rigorously following well-defined steps to minimize the risk of contamination between patients, but also between different environments.

The cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes can be carried out in different ways, but must in any case follow the INSTRUCTION N° DGOS/PF2 of 4 July 2016 on the treatment of flexible thermosensitive endoscopes.

At present, we can use endoscope washer-disinfectors preceded by pre-treatment. The latter process is the best for daily disinfection in a hospital environment. The human factor is no longer taken into account since the LDE carries out the cleaning and disinfection steps.

At present, we can use endoscope washer-disinfectors preceded by pre-treatment. The latter process is the best for daily disinfection in a hospital environment. The human factor is no longer taken into account since the LDE carries out the cleaning and disinfection steps. However, a manual cleaning method allows the cleaning to be adapted according to the endoscope and their contamination. Thus, in the case of gram-negative shell contamination (Micrococcus sp, etc.), we know that the first cleaning step and good drying ensure a better result during microbiological control.

Therefore, at Endobiolab, we choose the best method based on the contamination of your endoscope. Our objective is to obtain the best possible results.

Microbiological control is part of infection prevention. Following endoscope treatments, it is essential to regularly test the endoscopic equipment in hospitals in order to prevent cases of contamination.

The controls justify the professional handling of endoscopes, taking care that there is no contamination related to the environment or the manipulator.

Thus, endoscope samples are taken in different cases: 

First, on a periodic basis, in order to provide effective cleaning methods.

In a second step, when the device goes into repair and therefore leaves the health care facility./span>

Samples are certainly taken in the event of recurrent contamination on an endoscope. In this case, we look for the most appropriate method to clean up and analyze the cause of the contamination so that it can be neutralized and then eliminated.

Our staff is trained in sampling, according to the INSTRUCTION N° DGOS/PF2 of 4 July 2016 on the treatment of flexible thermosensitive channel endoscopes in healthcare facilities. The experience and expertise of our team allows us to have a quality sample without external contamination.

In our laboratory, we collect your endoscopes in a controlled environment to minimize contamination. The sampling equipment is either sterile or disinfected, and we preserve the traceability of each consumable. We minimize leakage during sampling by using connectors and techniques adapted to the endoscope.

We use a DNP sampling solution that allows a good recovery of microorganisms. The samples are then filtered and incubated on PCA as indicated in the INSTRUCTION N° DGOS/PF2 of 4 July 2016 on the treatment of flexible thermosensitive channel endoscopes in healthcare facilities.

We adapt our service to your needs, by sampling confused channels or separate channels. We can remove the distal end of the erectile ducts as well as the bronchoscopes with in-depth microbacterial research.

This is why our laboratory regularly carries out inter-laboratory tests in order to validate our working methods and ensure quality results. We strive to achieve the best results for your greatest satisfaction.

The drying of endoscopes is an important point in the reprocessing process of endoscopes. We know that during LDE or manual cleaning, water residues can remain in the channels, which encourages bacterial proliferation during storage.

We therefore recommend controlled medical air drying. Drying at too high a pressure can damage the endoscope channels and allow microdroplets of water to get stuck in the channels. Therefore, we favour low-pressure drying with a longer duration in order to gradually eliminate all water drops.

Endoscopes should be stored in a clean and dry place. Storage enclosures (ESETs) are the most appropriate environments in hospitals to store your endoscopes away from any external contamination.
Suitcase storage is not recommended by INSTRUCTION No. DGOS/PF2 of 4 July 2016 on the treatment of flexible thermosensitive endoscopes. Nevertheless, during transport outside the endoscopic park, the endoscopes are put back in suitcases in order to guarantee their good safety.

Once in the laboratory, after drying the channels and the outer surface of the endoscope, we propose to place the endoscope in a bag to avoid any contact with the suitcase. This bag allows the endoscope to travel in a healthy environment to guarantee the results on arrival.