What are the standards for housekeeping between endoscopy patients?

Q: What are the standards for housekeeping between endoscopy patients?

A:As recommended by the Society for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates Inc. (SGNA), Standards of Infection Control in Reprocessing of Flexible Gastrointestinal Endoscopes (2005), to prevent cross-contamination in an endoscopic procedure room, most areas of the room should be designated as clean areas. Contaminated areas where accessories and specimens are handled should be separated from clean counter areas. All contaminated areas must be cleaned and decontaminated between patients with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant. When endoscopy is performed on a patient with known or suspected tuberculosis, negative pressure rooms -- or rooms with air circulated through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters -- are recommended (CDC, 2000).

Be sure to check with your facility’s infection control department for recommendations and approvals of final policies and procedures.

--Bradley Catalone

Notice to Readers:  Olympus America Inc. welcomes the opportunity to provide this information for your background and knowledge. The answers to questions posed in this column are general in nature. Please remember that every institution must consider its own particular circumstances and adapt its policies, procedures and protocols to meet applicable local, state and federal regulatory and licensing requirements, certification criteria and accreditation standards. The information provided has been compiled from sources considered to be dependable. However, Olympus makes no representations, warranties or other expressed or implied warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information. This information does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal advice. You must consult with competent legal counsel for legal matters. This information does not constitute other professional advice such as architectural, financial or other specialty services. You must consult with such qualified professionals where appropriate.

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