Diana Lagana1
1Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Infection Prevention Control Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital Adelaide SA and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide SA. diana.lagana@sa.gov.au
Abstract:
Microbiological surveillance of endoscopes and associated equipment designed to help prevent nosocomial infection, is an established quality assurance process that can identify reprocessing failures and potential defects.
Although transmission of infection as a result of endoscopy is rare, the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection, effective staff training, quality control of final rinse water and adherence to manufacturers’ recommendations are all critical infection control measures to help prevent infection.
Methods of microbiological surveillance amongst different countries vary. Current Australian GENCA guidelines provide clear methods for the monitoring of final rinse water, endoscopes and endoscope storage cabinets. Recommended responses based on bacterial colony counts and their identification are provided, however determining factors for initiating a patient recall are not always clear.
AS 5369 provides specifications for final rinse water, but unlike the GENCA guidelines, provides no course of action for positive results. In the event where a positive result is obtained, attempting to interpretate both the guidelines and the standard can create some uncertainty.
Developing additional acceptance criteria and what course of action to take for the various available methods of sampling, could help drive improved responses and may assist in determining when a patient recall should be initiated.