Follow-up and management of patients exposed to a flawed automated endoscope washer-disinfector in a digestive diseases unit

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2006 Jan;27(1):89-92. doi: 10.1086/500004. Epub 2006 Jan 6.

Abstract

The possible transmission of pathogens to 236 persons exposed to an endoscope processed in a flawed automated endoscope washer-disinfector in a gastrointestinal endoscopy unit was investigated. During 6 months, 197 patients (83.5%) were followed up, and no cases of acute human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, or hepatitis B virus infection were observed. This event created the conditions for improvements in safety procedures.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / etiology
  • Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects*
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects*
  • Equipment Contamination*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / instrumentation
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged