CHICAGO―The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (SGNA) today announced that it released new guidelines regarding the reprocessing of flexible scopes. The document is called the Standards of Infection Control in Reprocessing of Flexible Gastrointestinal Endoscopes (2012).
Though the transmission of infectious diseases during gastrointestinal endoscopy is rare, further research and emphasis on infection control is vital to the industry. The infection-prevention information provided in SGNA guidelines is essential to professionals working in any GI/endoscopy setting, SGNA reported.
The document includes detailed information on specific areas related to infection control including:
• Personnel
• Education and Training
• Quality Assurance
• Procedure Rooms
• Reprocessing Rooms
• Spill Containment Plan
The standards also include reprocessing protocol for the cleaning and high-level disinfection of endoscopes, from pre-cleaning through storage.
The document was written and prepared by the SGNA Practice Committee, which develops practice-related strategies that assist in fulfilling SGNA’s mission and goals. The committee also ensures that practice-related products and services are current and that new practice items are developed to meet industry needs. Before they reach the public, SGNA practice guidelines undergo a rigorous board approval and copyediting process to ensure accuracy and clarity.
The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. is a professional organization of nurses and associates that foster safe practices for gastroenterology and endoscopy. SGNA supports education, research and collaboration.
To read the Standards of Infection Control in Reprocessing of Flexible Gastrointestinal Endoscopes in full, click here.
