Following high-level disinfection and rinsing, what should accessory channels be flushed with?

Following high-level disinfection and rinsing, what should accessory channels be flushed with?

• A. Water
• B. Bleach
• C. Alcohol
• D. Hydrogen peroxide

Answer: (C)

Accessory channels of flexible endoscopes must be flushed with alcohol following high-level disinfection and rinsing. Alcohol serves a crucial role in this context as it helps to achieve effective drying of the channels, which is essential to prevent microbial growth. Additionally, alcohol has properties that assist in removing any residual disinfectants or contaminants that may still be present after the rinsing process. Using water for flushing could lead to the reintroduction of contaminants, as water can harbor microorganisms if not distilled or sterile. Bleach, while a strong disinfectant, is not appropriate for flushing accessory channels due to its corrosive nature, which can damage the delicate internal components of the endoscope. Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used for disinfection but does not facilitate drying in the same way that alcohol does and may leave residues that could be problematic for the functionality of the endoscope. Hence, flushing with alcohol is the best practice to ensure both cleanliness and promote the integrity of the device’s components after high-level disinfection.

Accessory channels of flexible endoscopes must be flushed with alcohol following high-level disinfection and rinsing. Alcohol serves a crucial role in this context as it helps to achieve effective drying of the channels, which is essential to prevent microbial growth. Additionally, alcohol has properties that assist in removing any residual disinfectants or contaminants that may still be present after the rinsing process.

Using water for flushing could lead to the reintroduction of contaminants, as water can harbor microorganisms if not distilled or sterile. Bleach, while a strong disinfectant, is not appropriate for flushing accessory channels due to its corrosive nature, which can damage the delicate internal components of the endoscope. Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used for disinfection but does not facilitate drying in the same way that alcohol does and may leave residues that could be problematic for the functionality of the endoscope.

Hence, flushing with alcohol is the best practice to ensure both cleanliness and promote the integrity of the device’s components after high-level disinfection.