Work

Optimizing endoscope surveillance: how sampling methods and time points affect microbiological surveillance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Endoscope-associated infections remain a persistent concern despite adherence to reprocessing guidelines. Microbial surveillance is essential for quality control, but its effectiveness may depend on sampling timing and technique. METHODS: This prospective multi-centre study was conducted across three gastrointestinal endoscopy units within multiple campuses of a tertiary general hospital in Wuhan, China. Sampling was performed either immediately after high-level disinfection (HLD) or following overnight storage in a dry cabinet using one of two techniques: the conventional flushing sampling method (CFSM) or the flush-brush-flush sampling method (FBFSM). RESULTS: =5.895, P=0.015), indicating enhanced microbial recovery. Endoscopes sampled after overnight drying showed a significantly higher pass rate (87.7% vs 79.3%) and lower detection rates for high-concern organisms, particularly Pseudomonas spp. and Gram-positive cocci, compared with samples collected immediately after HLD. CONCLUSIONS: The drying phase of endoscope reprocessing plays a critical role in reducing residual microbial contamination. Additionally, FBFSM demonstrated superior sensitivity in post-reprocessing surveillance, highlighting its value as a more effective sampling method compared with CFSM.

Source: Journal of Hospital Infection

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2025.09.014

Authors: T. Xu, X. Cao, M. Shuang, Q. Tan, L. Xiong

Institutions: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Union Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Medical Device Sterilization and Disinfection

Subfield: Microbiology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,000