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.