Procedure di disinfezione in endoscopia digestiva: esperienze in un grande ospedale romano.

The Authors present the results of a survey on the disinfection procedures used in 13 endoscopy units of a large roman hospital. A questionnaire on the endoscopy centres characteristics and the methods of cleaning and disinfecting the equipment was adopted. Also microbiological samples on the instruments, disinfectants and rinsing water were carried out. Nine centres out of 13 presented one room and automatic washers were available only in two units. Seven centres used a 0.4% glutaraldehyde with 1.41% phenol and 0.26% sodium phenate disinfectant (Sporicidin), three a high level disinfectant (2% glutaraldehyde) and three a peroxydic solution (Virkon). The disinfectant time of contact was <20’ only in eight cases. In 10 centres the biopsy forceps were processed as the endoscope. Only eight units were equipped with ventilation systems. In 12 endoscopes out of 31 P. aeruginosa or other bacteria were isolated. Furthermore in nine centres out of 13 high level disinfection was not achieved in at least one endoscope. The results showed insufficient disinfection in several occasions because of a series of causes which are critically discussed.