Is ultraviolet light disinfection fit to be the future standard for the disinfection of flexible endoscopes without a working channel?

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate colony‐forming unit (CFU) reduction on contaminated flexible endoscopes (FEs) without a working channel after UV‐C light disinfection, compared to the current disinfection method with the endoscope washer disinfector (EWD).Design, setting and participantsAfter pharyngolaryngoscopy, a manual pre‐cleaning with tap water was performed. A culture was then collected by rolling the distal 8–10 cm of the FE over an Agar plate. The FE was disinfected using the D60 (60‐s disinfection process with UV‐C light) or the EWD (gold standard reprocessing process with water and chemicals). Another culture was then taken. After incubation, a CFU count was performed.ResultsA total of 200 FEs without a working channel were divided equally between the two disinfection groups. After clinical use and manual pre‐cleaning, 84 of the 100 (84.0%) (UV‐C light group) and 79 of the 100 (79.0%) (EWD) FEs were contaminated with at least 1 CFU. FEs that showed no contamination after use were excluded from further analysis. After disinfection with UV‐C light, 72 (85.7%) FEs showed no contamination (i.e., 0 CFUs) versus 66 (83.5%) FEs after reprocessing with the EWD.ConclusionThere is no difference in CFUs reduction on contaminated FEs without a working channel between UV‐C light disinfection and the current gold standard, the EWD.