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UV-C light: the future of disinfection of flexible endoscopes without a working channel?
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  • Yana Halmans,
  • David Wellenstein,
  • Michael Romijn,
  • Suzan Cremers,
  • Jannie J. Smit,
  • Joost Hopman,
  • Robert Takes,
  • Guido van den Broek
Yana Halmans
Radboudumc

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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David Wellenstein
Radboudumc
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Michael Romijn
Radboudumc
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Suzan Cremers
Radboudumc
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Jannie J. Smit
Radboudumc
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Joost Hopman
Radboudumc
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Robert Takes
Radboudumc
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Guido van den Broek
Radboudumc
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Abstract

Objective: To investigate Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) reduction on contaminated flexible endoscopes without a working channel after UV-C light disinfection compared to the current disinfection method with the Endoscope Washer Disinfector. Design, setting: After pharyngolaryngoscopy, a manual pre-cleaning with tap water was performed. A culture was then collected by rolling the distal 8-10 cm of the flexible endoscope over an Agar plate. The flexible endoscope was disinfected using the D60 (60-second disinfection process with UV-C light) or the Endoscope Washer Disinfector (golden standard reprocessing process with water and chemicals). Another culture was then taken. After incubation, a CFU count was performed. Results: Two hundred flexible endoscopes without a working channel were divided equally between the two disinfection groups. After clinical use and manual pre-cleaning, 84 of the 100 (84.0%) (UV-C light group) and 79 of the 100 (79.0%) (EWD) flexible endoscopes were contaminated with at least 1 CFU. Flexible endoscopes that showed no contamination after use were excluded from further analysis. After disinfection with UV-C light, 72 (85.7%) flexible endoscopes showed no contamination (i.e. 0 CFUs) versus 66 (83.5%) flexible endoscopes after reprocessing with the Endoscope Washer Disinfector. Conclusion: There is no difference in CFUs reduction on contaminated flexible endoscopes without a working channel between UV-C light disinfection and the current gold standard, the Endoscope Washer Disinfector.
05 Jun 2023Submitted to Clinical Otolaryngology
05 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
05 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
19 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
02 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
19 Jul 20231st Revision Received
12 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
12 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
17 Aug 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
21 Sep 2023Editorial Decision: Accept