Effectiveness of manual cleaning and disinfection of gastroendoscopes with3% glutaraldehyde for decreasing the risk of transmission of hepatitis C virus

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of manual cleaning and disinfection of gastro endoscopes with 3% glutaraldehyde in decreasing the risk of transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was examined. METHODS: Gastroendoscopes used for treatment of endoscopic esophageal varic eal ligation in patients with HCV infection were manually cleaned and disin fected with 3% glutaraldehyde (n = 25), 2% glutaraldehyde (n = 17), or 0.1% benzethonium chloride (n = 25). Samples were obtained by pouring 20 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution into the biopsy-suction channel of the scope before and after cleaning and disinfection. HCV was detected with the polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Of the 25 scopes in 3% glutaraldehyde group, nine (36%) were posit ive for HCV before cleaning and disinfection, but all became negative after cleaning and disinfection; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). In contrast, in 2% glutaraldehyde group and in the routine cleani ng group, there were no significant differences in the number of positive s amples between before and after cleaning and disinfection. CONCLUSION: Manual cleaning and disinfection of gastroscopes with 3% glutar aldehyde is useful for decreasing the risk of transmission of HCV among pat ients. (C) 2001 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology.