Implementing Audits to Improve High-Level Disinfection of Flexible Endoscopes.

In the May 2026 issue of Gastroenterol Nurs, a study outlines the implementation of audits aimed at enhancing high-level disinfection (HLD) of flexible endoscopes in a hospital's central sterile supply department (CSSD). The study focuses on the process of HLD, a crucial step in the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes to prevent the transmission of pathogens during procedures.

The investigation was conducted over a 12-month period, during which audits were carried out biweekly to assess adherence to established protocols. The study found that, initially, 30% of audited processes failed to meet the required standards for HLD.

Specifically, issues were identified in the preparation phase, with insufficient rinsing and improper use of detergents being common errors. Additionally, the study reported shortcomings in the monitoring phase, where temperatures during the disinfection process did not consistently reach the recommended 80°C (176°F).

In response to these findings, the hospital implemented targeted training sessions for CSSD staff, focusing on correct techniques and adherence to guidelines from organizations like ISO, AAMI, and CDC. The study reports that, following these interventions, the failure rate in audits decreased to 10%.

Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of ongoing audits as a tool for continuous quality improvement in CSSD settings, particularly when dealing with high-risk devices like flexible endoscopes.