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Endoscopy 1989; 21(1): 19-21
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1012887
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Does the Endoscope Control Head Need to be Disinfected between Examinations?

G. M. Sobala, C. Lincoln* , A. T. R. Axon
  • Gastroenterology Unit, The General Infirmary, Leeds
  • *Department of Infection Control, The General Infirmary, Leeds
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

An evaluation was made of the incidence of contamination of endoscope control heads during gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy, and of the efficacy of a simple disinfection technique. Contamination of the control heads occurred in 4 out of 17 examinations. Scrubbing in detergent followed by wiping with swabs impregnated with 70 % isopropyl alcohol and 2 % chlorhexidine achieved adequate disinfection of artifical heavy contamination of the control head. The endoscope control head represents a potential source of crass-infection and should not be neglected in any cleaning procedure.

Key words:

Disinfection - Isopropyl alcohol - Cross-infection