Rinse water for heat labile endoscopy equipment.

The increase in use of endoscopic procedures in diagnosis and surgical treatment has underlined the need for safe cleaning methods for these instruments. While decontamination has been reviewed by several Working Groups in Britain, the problems relating to the prevention of contamination of rinse water and its monitoring procedures have not been addressed previously. This report from the Joint Working Party identifies the problems, and provides guidance on the monitoring and provision of high-quality rinse water. Copyright 2002 The Hospital Infection Society.