Cleaning and Disinfection Guidelines for Portable Veterinary Endoscopes
Portable veterinary endoscopes are indispensable tools for diagnosing and treating animals and pets. However, improper cleaning and disinfection can lead to cross-contamination, equipment damage, and compromised diagnoses. This guide provides evidence-based protocols to maintain animal endoscope's performance, safeguard animal health, and comply with hygiene standards. Let's dive into the critical steps for safe cleaning, effective disinfection, and proper storage.
1. Why Proper Endoscope Cleaning Matters
Portable veterinary endoscope comes into contact with various biological substances during each examination. If not properly cleaned and disinfected, mucus, dirt, or biological debris adhering to the distal end, inside the working channel and on the tube or lens can:
1) Block the working channel causes abnormal operation of the endoscope
2) Increase the risk of infection for animals and operators
Therefore, adhering to a strict cleaning and disinfection protocol is not just recommended - it's essential.
2. Step-by-step Manual Cleaning Process
a. Surface Wiping
Wipe the insertion tube with gauze or a soft sponge in clean water to remove dirt.
b. Immersion in Cleaning Agent
Immerse the insertion tube in cleaning agent and gently scrub the insertion tube with gauze or soft sponge repeatedly.
Warning: Do not immerse the tube for a long time, because repeated or long-term immersion in disinfectant will increase the internal humidity of the endoscope, leading to blurring or even damage to the lens.
c. Channel Brushing
Insert the cleaning brush into the working channel and scrub the inside of the tube.
Note: The cleaning brush should not be reversed halfway, and the brush tip must be completely exposed from the distal end of the endoscope tube before it can be pulled out in the reverse direction to avoid damage to the inner wall of the tube.
d. Flushing with Water
Manually inject clean water into the tube with a syringe for flushing.
3. Effective Disinfection Techniques
1) Disinfection Steps
a. Disinfectant Solution Soaking
Immerse the insertion tube in the disinfectant solution and gently and repeatedly scrub the insertion tube with gauze or soft sponge.
b. Channel Disinfection
Disinfect the working channel according to the method of cleaning the endoscope working channel.
c. Rinsing
After endoscope disinfection, rinse with water to remove residual disinfectant. At the same time, any residual disinfectant on the inner wall should be removed in the same way as cleaning the endoscopic working channel. If non-sterile water is used for rinsing after disinfection, wipe the endoscope and rinse the working channel with 75% to 95% ethanol, rinse water should not be reused.
d. Drying
Wipe the outer surface of the endoscope with dry gauze.
Blow out the moisture on the inner wall of the working channel with balloon air supply, and then dry the endoscope naturally to prevent bacterial reproduction.
2) Precautions for Disinfection
a. General detergent methods cannot achieve the purpose of disinfection, and if endoscopes need to be disinfected, various disinfection methods and materials should be researched and selected from the perspective of the medical profession and in conjunction with the special clinical situation.
b. Certain materials used in the veterinary endoscopes (e.g., synthetic resins and rubbers, etc.) may be damaged when some disinfectants are used. Due attention should be paid to the safety of the endoscope before using any disinfection method.
c. The following disinfectants are safe for veterinary endoscopes when used correctly, as confirmed by long-term testing and clinical use:
A. Enzyme wash.
B. 2% glutaraldehyde solution with a soaking time of not less than 10 minutes.
3) Forbidden Disinfection Methods
The following disinfection methods can cause major malfunctions in electronic pet endoscopes and should be absolutely prohibited!
A. Heated, pressurized, EGO sterilized at a pressure of 1.5 atmospheres or more and a temperature of 40°C or more.
B. Ultrasonic cleaning disinfection
C. Boiling sterilization
D. Dry sterilization disinfection
E. Steam sterilization
F. Disinfection with cresol or formaldehyde solution
G. Cleaning and disinfection with undiluted chlorinated benzene cleaning solution
4. Post-Procedure Storage & End-of-Life Disposal
1) Drying & Storage
a. Ensure Components are Dry
Before storage, Make sure that all the reusable components and cleaning, disinfection equipment are completely dry. Moisture can lead to bacterial growth and damage to the equipment.
b. Organized Storage
Store all reusable components in a storage cabinet. Make sure that the components are not in contact with each other during storage.
Place all cleaning, disinfection equipment in one container, and then place the container in the storage cabinet.
This prevents scratches and other forms of damage and allows for easy access and organization.
2) End-of-Life Disposal
When the device reaches the end of its effective service life, it is disposed of as electrical and electronic waste, in accordance with all applicable national and local laws and regulations, and arbitrary disposal may cause pollution to the environment.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of cleaning and disinfection of portable veterinary endoscopes are non-negotiable for animal healthcare and equipment durability. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of infection, extend device lifespan, and ensure accurate diagnoses for your pets and animal patients.
Need a Reliable Portable Veterinary Endoscope? Explore our range of durable, easy-to-clean endoscopic devices designed for veterinary professionals. JeetVet offer solutions to precise veterinary endoscopy for animal ear and nose, abdominal cavity, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and other passages.
Watch the video below of the basic disinfection and cleaning procedures for the RAE-105 USB veterinary endoscope for more details.
