Cleaning and disinfection practices in digestive endoscopy in Spain: Results of a national survey

Background and Study Aims: Disinfection and surveillance of it are importan t for ensuring safety in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The aim of this survey was to assess the current status of disinfection in gastrointestinal endos copy units in Spain. Materials and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire on cleaning and disinfect ion methods was sent to gastrointestinal endoscopy units at 244 public hosp itals in Spain. A minimum standard of disinfection (MSD) was defined to eva luate the appropriateness of disinfection practices. Results: A total of 144 centers responded (58%). All units perform manual w ashing of endoscopes before disinfection. Automatic washers are available i n only 23% of the centers. Selective cleaning of internal channels is syste matically performed in 85% of the centers. Glutaraldehyde-based disinfectan ts are the most commonly employed (84% of units). The time of exposure to t he disinfectant is at least 10 min in 97% of units, but 20 min or more in o nly 36% of them. Endoscopic accessories are sterilized in 57% of centers. T he MSD was complied with by 79% of the units evaluated. Compliance with the MSD was significantly lower in small units (P = 0.0005) performing small n umbers of examinations per month. Quality control tests on the efficacy of disinfection methods are conducted at 66% of the centers. Specialized perso nnel record disinfection procedures in 85% of the centers and supervise the m in 55% of the centers. Half of the units have inadequate equipment and fa cilities. Conclusions: This survey suggests that cleaning and disinfection practices in gastrointestinal endoscopy units in Spain have improved in recent years, and that there is a good compliance with standard guidelines. Most units s hould improve their equipment and facilities in order to provide better com fort and safety for patients and staff.