UV-C light: the future of disinfection of flexible endoscopes without a
working channel?
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.