Evaluation of a storage cabinet for heat-sensitive endoscopes in a clinical setting

An update on gastrointestinal endoscopy-associated infections and their contributing factors

“…The drying process is also crucial to effective endoscope reprocessing [ 17 , 39 ]. Recently, the use of drying cabinets with pressurised air flow through endoscope channels has been shown to reduce microbiological load [ 40 , 41 ], and has been implemented in endoscopy units [ 5 ] to ensure thorough drying.…”

Multisociety guideline on reprocessing flexible GI endoscopes and accessories

“…Such modalities include the use of a prolonged air purge cycle at the end of HLD by an AER and prolonged direct air delivery into all channels using a tabletop flushing apparatus, "automated" flushing devices, and a variety of air purge storage cabinets. Prolonged, simultaneous airflow through all endoscope channels using a dedicated endoscope-drying apparatus, device, 65 or storage cabinet 31,[65][66][67][68] offers effective drying of the endoscope as measured by either borescopic visual inspection of the working channel or moisture detection papers. Last, longer intervals of continuous air instillation, using either specific drying devices for a minimum of 10 minutes 65 or endoscope storage cabinets for a minimum of 1 hour, 66 are sufficient for the drying of the internal working channels.…”

“…Commercial endoscope storage cabinets using forced irrigation of endoscope channels with warm, filtered air during storage achieves complete drying of channels and reduces the proliferation of P aeruginosa, 66 but their importance for keeping endoscopes free of contamination remains incompletely defined. [66][67][68]73 In contrast, in conventional cabinets endoscopes hang vertically, whereas active or passive ventilation with filtered air helps prevent moisture from forming on or within endoscopes. Passive cabinets without airflow directed into all channels are not sufficient for drying the endoscope from a wet state.…”

ASGE guideline for infection control during GI endoscopy

“…There are incomplete data, however, on the importance of commercially sold endoscope storage cabinets, including forced-air irrigation of endoscope channels during storage for keeping endoscopes free of contamination. 97 There is little information regarding how long endoscopes placed in storage may remain unused before reprocessing is required. Two studies indicate that once endoscopes are appropriately reprocessed, dried, and stored, it is not necessary to reprocess them again if used within 5 to 7 days.…”