What should be ensured before inflating the endoscope?

What should be ensured before inflating the endoscope?

• A. Absence of any fluid
• B. Positive pressure
• C. Complete dryness
• D. All channels are cleaned

Answer: (B)

Before inflating the endoscope, it's essential to ensure positive pressure is maintained within the system. This is crucial because positive pressure helps prevent the entry of air or contaminants into the channels and the working end of the endoscope. If positive pressure is not established, the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms during the inflation process increases, potentially leading to contamination of the instrument. While the absence of fluid, complete dryness, and cleaning of all channels are important factors in the overall reprocessing and maintenance of endoscopes, they don't specifically address the critical moment of inflation. Positive pressure is particularly vital during inflation to ensure that any potentially infectious material does not get trapped or pushed inside the endoscope, which could compromise patient safety and the integrity of the device. This is why ensuring positive pressure is a fundamental step before proceeding with the inflation of the endoscope.

Before inflating the endoscope, it's essential to ensure positive pressure is maintained within the system. This is crucial because positive pressure helps prevent the entry of air or contaminants into the channels and the working end of the endoscope. If positive pressure is not established, the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms during the inflation process increases, potentially leading to contamination of the instrument.

While the absence of fluid, complete dryness, and cleaning of all channels are important factors in the overall reprocessing and maintenance of endoscopes, they don't specifically address the critical moment of inflation. Positive pressure is particularly vital during inflation to ensure that any potentially infectious material does not get trapped or pushed inside the endoscope, which could compromise patient safety and the integrity of the device. This is why ensuring positive pressure is a fundamental step before proceeding with the inflation of the endoscope.