Endoscope disinfection using acidic electrolytic water

Background and Study Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate a n ew endoscope disinfector (WM-1) that uses acidic electrolytic water (AEW). Materials and Methods: AEW was produced by electrolysis of a 0.05% NaCl-wat er mixture, with a redox potential greater than 1000 mV and a pH lower than 2.7, In the First study, an endoscope artificially contaminated with 15 sp ecies of bacteria and four strains of viruses was treated using the WM-1. I n the second study, endoscopic contamination after clinical use was examine d by culture for Helicobacter pylori and other bacteria, and by polymerase chain reaction for the H. pylori urease gene and hepatitis C virus. The ext ent of contamination was then examined after exposing the WM-1 to AEW, The safety of AEW was examined using both in vivo and in vitro studies. Results: AU of the bacteria and viruses were destroyed or inactivated after the instrument had been exposed to AEW. Clinical contamination was detecte d from the instrument in 19 of 30 endoscopic procedures, whereas no bacteri a or viruses were detected after five minutes' exposure to AEW. AEW was fou nd to be nonirritant, nontoxic to cells, and nonmutagenic. Conclusion: The WM-1 successfully and safely disinfected the endoscopes. Wi th running costs of Y24 per day ($0.21 per day), the WM-1 provides an effec tive and inexpensive alternative to conventional disinfection equipment.