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Sequential cohort study comparing chlorine dioxide wipes with automated washing for decontamination of flexible nasendoscopes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2012

C Q Phua ,
Y Mahalingappa  and
Y Karagama
C Q Phua
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, Tameside General Hospital, Ashton, UK
Y Mahalingappa
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, Tameside General Hospital, Ashton, UK
Y Karagama*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, Tameside General Hospital, Ashton, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Yakubu Karagama, Department of ENT Surgery, Tameside General Hospital, Fountain Street, Ashton OL6 9RW, UK E-mail: y.karagama@nhs.net
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Abstract

Introduction:

Flexible nasoendoscope is an important tool in otorhinolaryngology practice. The endoscope needs to be decontaminated prior to use in the next patient. The 2005 ENT-UK guidance for cleaning fibre-optic laryngoscopes stated that the ideal disinfecting agent and process should be effective and have low capital and maintenance costs.

Objective:

To compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of chlorine dioxide wipes versus automated washer, for decontamination of flexible nasendoscopes.

Methods:

A sequential cohort, in vitro study was performed to test the efficacy of chlorine dioxide wipes and automated washer. Costs were also calculated.

Results:

After deliberate bacterial contamination of the nasendoscope and subsequent decontamination, swab samples from the endoscope showed Staphylococcus epidermidis growth in 2 per cent (1/50 swabs) of the chlorine dioxide wipe group and in 28 per cent (14/50 swabs) of the automated washer group (p = 0.00). Based on a projected 10-year cost calculation, the automated washer was cheaper.

Conclusion:

Further studies are required to test whether these results are replicable. A similar study should be performed using real patients, to check the significance of improper decontamination.

Keywords

DecontaminationLaryngoscopesEndoscopes
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 126 , Issue 8 , August 2012 , pp. 809 - 814
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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Footnotes

Presented as a poster at the North of England Otolaryngology Spring Meeting, 11 March 2011, Darlington, UK

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