The UPMC infection prevention team noticed an increase in antibiotic-resistant infections in 2012 in patients who underwent an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography procedure with flexible scopes. So, they looked into the devices used, which have an “elevator channel,” most commonly found on ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound scopes.
UPMC stopped using the devices, notified the manufacturer and investigated the disinfection process, which they found failed to eliminate all bacteria. UPMC then started using gas sterilization with ethylene oxide.
Since switching to gas sterilization, no healthcare-associated infections have been traced back to scopes.
“We are confident that the change from disinfection to sterilization of GI scopes is necessary in preventing serious infections and we are glad to share our findings with hospitals nationwide,” said Carlene Muto, MD, director of infection prevention at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.
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