Residuals on medical devices following reprocessing

Micro-organisms may be transmitted by medical devices. A large variety of i nfectious agents may be involved in infections transmitted by endoscopic pr ocedures. We review a series of examples that demonstrate to what extent mi cro-organisms can be detected on medical devices and how transmission on to subsequently examined persons due to inadequate reprocessing can occur. Ha rdly any data are available regarding residuals of process chemicals, altho ugh numerous Published cases of glutaraldehyde-related colitis demonstrate that this issue requires urgent clarification. A risk of endoscope contamin ation exists, inter alia, if washer-disinfectors are technically defective or are incorrectly operated. In particular, a final rinse water of poor mic robiological quality can lead to recontamination of endoscopes. (C) 2001 Th e Hospital Infection Society.