Researchers developed and tested the new strategy that involved optimizing a simplified sampling and DNA extraction protocol using nylon-tipped flocked swabs. It also involved a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction test that targeted six bacteria genes, which were amplified in three mixes. The method was validated by interlaboratory tests, including five reference laboratories. Researchers sampled 111 endoscopes in 10 hospitals in Italy.
The study shows the PCR-based method allowed identification of both the 59 contaminated and 52 fully reprocessed endoscopes with 98 percent sensibility and 98 percent specificity within three to four hours. In comparison, a classic microbiology test requires 24 to 72 hours. The researchers confirmed the results using next-generation sequencing and classic microbiology.
The Emergency Care Research Institute ranked endoscope reprocessing failures as No. 2 on its top 10 health technology hazards for 2018 list.
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