Final answer:
High-level disinfectants like o-phthalaldehyde (OPA), found in products such as Cidex, are approved for disinfecting flexible endoscopes. OPA is preferred due to its efficacy against mycobacteria and less irritation to skin and mucous membranes. Enhanced cleaning procedures and strict protocol adherence are crucial for patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
High-Level Disinfectants for Flexible Endoscopes
The use of flexible endoscopes requires stringent disinfection protocols to prevent infection outbreaks, such as those caused by Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). The FDA had approved a protocol that included the use of high-level disinfectants like glutaraldehyde, o-phthalaldehyde (OPA), hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and a combination of hydrogen peroxide with peracetic acid.
However, isolated incidents and subsequent CRE outbreaks indicated that these protocols may have been insufficient.
In response to such outbreaks, there has been an emphasis on enhancing disinfection procedures. A high-level disinfectant that has been approved for disinfecting flexible endoscopes and is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness and decreased irritation is o-phthalaldehyde (OPA).
It is used in newer formulations of products such as Cidex, does not require activation before use, and is more effective against mycobacteria while being less irritating to skin and mucous membranes compared to other disinfectants.
It is important to note that the cleaning procedure's success also depends on careful manual cleaning, especially of the difficult-to-reach elevator mechanism in duodenoscopes.
Moreover, hospitals are implementing more rigorous cleaning procedures, and the FDA urges careful documentation of disinfection protocols and quality control as part of the updated recommendations to ensure patient safety.
Your complete question is: High-level disinfected flexible endoscopes should be reprocessed ________ hang time.
At a time interval determined by the facility