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Endoscope Storage Cabinets - Questions and Answers
Q&A
Endoscope Storage Cabinets
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Whether you're new to healthcare or just curious about endoscope cabinets, you'll find here some useful information. This Q&A will provide you with explanations, recommendations and resources to further your knowledge of the cabinets designed specifically for the safe storage of endoscopes.
Why store flexible endoscopes in cabinets?
Endoscope drying cabinets provide a convenient way to store and dry flexible endoscopes while allowing easy access to medical staff who manipulate the instruments.
The endoscopes that are stored in ventilated cabinets help minimize the risk of cross-contamination and prevent the spread of infection.
These cabinets are equipped with hangers or hooks usually designed to fit the type of endoscopes used whether it is for bronchoscopy, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, laparoscopy, laryngoscopy, thoracoscopy or digestive endoscopy procedures.
The scope hangers of hooks are customized to fit the shape of the endoscopes and to protect its integrity without creating tension.
The Infection Prevention and Control Guideline recommends to vertically store flexible endoscopes uncoiled after detaching reusable parts to store them separately from scope. (p. 33). The vertical position of the scopes helps drain the water out of the channels.
How long can endoscopes be kept in a storage cabinet?
If the flexible endoscope has not been utilized in over seven days, it must go through the reprocessing procedure again before it can be employed.
What are scope cabinets made of?
The most durable scope cabinets are usually made of a welded stainless steel structure, offering maximum strength and longevity.
How large are endoscope cabinets?
Endoscope cabinets vary in size depending on the number of scopes they contain. The INSPQ recommends that the inner chamber be high enough to store endoscopes in a perfectly vertical position and wide enough to prevent them from touching.
What are the common features of scope cabinets?
Usually scope cabinets feature front doors with a stainless steel frame and a tempered glass window with sealed edges to ensure watertightness and a reliable barrier against dust and impurities.
The cabinet air vents provide air flow that is HEPA filtered and is controlled to ensure constant positive pressure.
The endoscopes are placed on brackets, hangers or hooks to dry, and a scope guide keeps the flexible parts aligned to ensure there is no contact with the other instruments stored.
What are additional options for scope cabinets?
Optional features include traceability systems for better scope tracking, channel ventilation to purge scope channels, LED lighting, keyless entry, emergency door release, pull-out rails, removable drip pan, etc.
What are the guidelines for cabinets to ensure safe storage of flexible endoscopes?
The Infection Prevention And Control Guideline specifies that endoscope storage cabinets should be:
made of materials that can be disinfected properly on a weekly basis with a suitable low-level disinfectant,
ventilated when the doors are shut,
located away outside the procedure room, reprocessing area or a high-traffic area,
easily accessible so scopes can be placed without the risk of damage or harm to healthcare workers,
able to house a sufficient number of endoscopes for the number of patients, and
able to store the endoscopes in an uncoiled vertical position to help with drying.
What are the guidelines for cleaning scope cabinets?
To maintain a safe and sterile environment, endoscope storage cabinets should be cleaned once a week or immediately when visibly soiled. Cleaning should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The cleaning process should include removing any dust or debris from the inside and outside of the cabinet. To obtain good results, all surfaces must be wiped down with a disinfectant solution, including the shelves, hooks, hangers, and handles.
After cleaning, the cabinet should be dried with a clean cloth or paper towel. It is important to inspect the cabinet for any damage or signs of wear and tear before storing any endoscopes.
Why are HEPA filters used in endoscope storage cabinets?
Endoscope storage cabinets are ventilated to dry endoscopes while they wait to be reused. The cabinets are typically equipped with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters whose purpose is to purify the air and help prevent the spread of infection. The HEPA filters used in cabinets remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).
What maintenance is required with scope cabinet filters?
Scope cabinet filters should be changed on a regular basis to ensure the longevity of the cabinet and its components. The frequency of filter changes depends on the type of filter, the environment in which the cabinet is located, and the amount of use the cabinet gets.
Generally, it is recommended to change the filter at least every six months. If the cabinet is situated in a dusty environment, the filter should be changed more frequently.
It is important to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filter change frequency. It is also important to check the filter regularly for any visible signs of wear or damage and replace it immediately if needed.
When replacing filters, the new filters should be positioned properly to prevent any particles from escaping and entering the cabinet.
Additionally, checking the cabinet’s seals for any signs of wear or damage and immediately replacing them when needed will help to ensure the effectiveness of the cabinet ventilation.
Resources to find out more
Endoscope Storage Cabinet with Traceability
Pass-Through HEPA Ventilated Storage Cabinet for Endoscopes
INSPQ Retraitement des dispositifsendoscopiques flexibles
