Cori L Ofstead1, Mariah R Quick2, Harry P Wetzler2, John E Eiland2, Otis L Heymann2, David A Sonetti3, J Scott Ferguson3. 1. Ofstead & Associates, Inc., Saint Paul, MN. Electronic address: cori@ofsteadinsights.com. 2. Ofstead & Associates, Inc., Saint Paul, MN. 3. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Infections have been linked to inadequately reprocessed flexible bronchoscopes, and recent investigations determined that pathogen transmission occurred even when bronchoscope cleaning and disinfection practices aligned with current guidelines. This multisite, prospective study evaluated the effectiveness of real-world bronchoscope reprocessing methods, using a systematic approach. METHODS: This study involved direct observation of reprocessing methods for flexible bronchoscopes, multifaceted evaluations performed after manual cleaning and after high-level disinfection, and assessments of storage conditions. Visual inspections of ports and channels were performed using lighted magnification and borescopes. Contamination was detected using microbial cultures and tests for protein, hemoglobin, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Researchers assessed reprocessing practices, and storage cabinet cleanliness was evaluated by visual inspection and ATP tests. RESULTS: Researchers examined 24 clinically used bronchoscopes. After manual cleaning, 100% of bronchoscopes had residual contamination. Microbial growth was found in 14 fully reprocessed bronchoscopes (58%), including mold, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Escherichia coli/Shigella species. Visible irregularities were observed in 100% of bronchoscopes, including retained fluid; brown, red, or oily residue; scratches; damaged insertion tubes and distal ends; and filamentous debris in channels. Reprocessing practices were substandard at two of three sites. CONCLUSIONS: Damaged and contaminated bronchoscopes were in use at all sites. Inadequate reprocessing practices may have contributed to bioburden found on bronchoscopes. However, even when guidelines were followed, high-level disinfection was not effective. A shift toward the use of sterilized bronchoscopes is recommended. In the meantime, quality management programs and updated reprocessing guidelines are needed.
BACKGROUND: Infections have been linked to inadequately reprocessed flexible bronchoscopes, and recent investigations determined that pathogen transmission occurred even when bronchoscope cleaning and disinfection practices aligned with current guidelines. This multisite, prospective study evaluated the effectiveness of real-world bronchoscope reprocessing methods, using a systematic approach. METHODS: This study involved direct observation of reprocessing methods for flexible bronchoscopes, multifaceted evaluations performed after manual cleaning and after high-level disinfection, and assessments of storage conditions. Visual inspections of ports and channels were performed using lighted magnification and borescopes. Contamination was detected using microbial cultures and tests for protein, hemoglobin, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Researchers assessed reprocessing practices, and storage cabinet cleanliness was evaluated by visual inspection and ATP tests. RESULTS: Researchers examined 24 clinically used bronchoscopes. After manual cleaning, 100% of bronchoscopes had residual contamination. Microbial growth was found in 14 fully reprocessed bronchoscopes (58%), including mold, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Escherichia coli/Shigella species. Visible irregularities were observed in 100% of bronchoscopes, including retained fluid; brown, red, or oily residue; scratches; damaged insertion tubes and distal ends; and filamentous debris in channels. Reprocessing practices were substandard at two of three sites. CONCLUSIONS: Damaged and contaminated bronchoscopes were in use at all sites. Inadequate reprocessing practices may have contributed to bioburden found on bronchoscopes. However, even when guidelines were followed, high-level disinfection was not effective. A shift toward the use of sterilized bronchoscopes is recommended. In the meantime, quality management programs and updated reprocessing guidelines are needed.
Authors: Sara Larsen; Rasmus Vinther Russell; Lotte Klinten Ockert; Stephen Spanos; Helena Strømstad Travis; Lars Holger Ehlers; Anders Mærkedahl Journal: EClinicalMedicine Date: 2020-07-15
Authors: Cori L Ofstead; Brandy L Buro; Krystina M Hopkins; John E Eiland; Harry P Wetzler; David R Lichtenstein Journal: Endosc Int Open Date: 2020-11-17
Authors: Javier Flandes; Luis Fernando Giraldo-Cadavid; Javier Alfayate; Iker Fernández-Navamuel; Carlos Agusti; Carmen M Lucena; Antoni Rosell; Felipe Andreo; Carmen Centeno; Carmen Montero; Iria Vidal; Lucía García-Alfonso; Antonio Bango; Miguel Ariza; Rocío Gallego; Marta Orta; Salvador Bello; Elisa Mincholé; Alfons Torrego; Virginia Pajares; Héctor González; Aurelio Luis Wangüemert; Julio Pérez-Izquierdo; Carlos Disdier; Blanca de Vega Sanchez; Rosa Cordovilla; Juan Cascón; Antonio Cruz; J Javier García-López; Luis Puente; Paola Benedetti; Cristina L García-Gallo; Gema Díaz Nuevo; Silvia Aguado; Concepción Partida; Prudencio Díaz-Agero; Estefanía Luque Crespo; María Pavón; Francisco Páez; Enrique Cases; Raquel Martínez; Andrés Briones; Cleofe Fernández; Concepción Martín Serrano; Ana Maria Uribe-Hernández; Jose Robles Journal: Respir Res Date: 2020-12-02
Authors: Michael A Pritchett; Catherine L Oberg; Adam Belanger; Jose De Cardenas; George Cheng; Gustavo Cumbo Nacheli; Carlos Franco-Paredes; Jaspal Singh; Jennifer Toth; Michael Zgoda; Erik Folch Journal: J Thorac Dis Date: 2020-05 Impact factor: 3.005
Authors: Cori L Ofstead; Krystina M Hopkins; Matthew J Binnicker; Gregory A Poland Journal: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Date: 2020-04-02 Impact factor: 3.254