The significance of bacterial contamination of fibreoptic endoscopes

摘要: Abstract Published surveys suggest that the risk of infection following fibreoptic endoscopy is minimal. However, we report three patients who became infected and one patient was colonized emergency for gastro-intestinal bleeding with a strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa , found to be resident in our upper gastrointestinal endoscopes. Bacteriological investigation showed cleaning procedure used failed remove organism from Thorough irrigation instruments accessories 2% buffered glutaraldehyde before each session simple this agent during after use, together appropriate conditions storage, reduced bacterial contamination eliminated oral colonisation undergoing endoscopy. We conclude endoscopes can clinical significance meticulous attention disinfection essential safe endoscopic practice.