Matlock Endoscopic Repair » Training

Leak Test…Leak Test…Leak Test

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:13:05 +0000

Endoscopes are intricate instruments that combine mechanical, illumination, optical and video elements…none of which react well to fluid. Because of these sensitive components, endoscope leak testing is a critical part of the proper scope cleaning and disinfection process, but often, it is done improperly or not at all.

FLUID DAMAGE is responsible for over half of total endoscope repair costs. Damage can result as soon as moisture invades the scope. The longer fluid remains undetected and unaddressed, the greater the damage to the instrument. When troubleshooting common flexible endoscope problems, fluid invasion requires immediate identification and repair by a trained technician.Signs of undetected fluid invasion include the following:

Image stains
Foggy images
Electrical malfunction

A common mistake is waiting until after disinfection or sterilization to perform leak testing. Leak testing out of step creates a much greater chance of fluid invasion during the disinfection process.

THE SGNA RECOMMENDS leak testing be done “before immersion of the scope in reprocessing solutions to minimize damage to parts of the endoscope not designed for fluid exposure.” The SGNA recommends, “Attach the leak tester and pressurize the scope before submerging it in water. Refer to specific manufacturer’s instructions to determine if it is necessary to remove detachable parts before leak testing. With the pressurized insertion tube completely submerged, flex the distal portion of the scope in all directions, observing for bubbles. Submerge the entire endoscope and observe the head of the scope, the insertion tube, distal bending section and the universal cord for bubbles coming from the interior of the scope.” If a leak is detected, remove the endoscope from the testing water to prevent further damage and remove from patient service until a qualified technician repairs it.

INFECTION CONTROL
Proper leak testing is one of the most important reprocessing steps as there is risk for cross-infection if a leak is left unchecked. If a scope has a leak, fluid, biologic materials, and biofilm can collect in areas that cannot be adequately cleaned and disinfected, increasing the risk of having scopes that are colonized with bacteria and viruses used on the next patient.

Endoscopic technicians, endoscopy nurses, or staff in the facility’s central sterile or sterile reprocessing department all clean endoscopes. Each of these departments should have both the knowledge and equipment to LEAK TEST…LEAK TEST…LEAK TEST.

Common Questions in Flexible Endoscopy

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:37:15 +0000

When clinical staff members who have contact with your flexible scope inventory truly understand scope nomenclature, how a scope works and proper handling, your facility or department should have fewer incidents of damage due to improper handling or accidental breakage. But what happens when something does go wrong? Do you understand symptoms of problems and how to prevent a minor problem from becoming an expensive repair? M.E.R. has the answers you need.

Why is my scope foggy?
The camera lens is broken and needs to be repaired. Fluid invasion is possible. Do not hang the scope; send for repair immediately.

Why is the endoscope beeping on its own?
Possible fluid invasion or loose connection internally on the microswitches. Do not hang the scope; send for repair immediately.

Why does the endoscope angulate in only 3 directions?
Broken angulation cable.
Slipped stopper on angulation cable.
An angulation is needed.
A coil pipe is detached from insertion tube.

What does excessive play mean?
The angulation cables have stretched and need to be adjusted.

What does reduced angulation mean?
Angulation stoppers need to be adjusted; no wires need to be shortened.

Why do I feel bumps when passing a brush or forcep through the channel?
Channel is possibly kinked or bent.
The instrument is damaged or bent.
The channel is obstructed.

What causes a buckle?
Coiling the endoscope in too tight a radius.
Bending or pressing down on insertion tube during the procedure.

Why does the video image slowly turn gray or foggy during procedures, and then turn back to normal?
The camera head seal on the distal tip is broken or cracked.
Possible fluid invasion. Do not hang; send for repair immediately.

Why can I see debris when I look into the light guide connector prong?
Possible broken light guide(s).
The scope has a possible fluid invation. GRAVITY + FLUID= DIRTY PRONG. (When a scope is hung with fluid trapped inside, the fluid and lubricants automatically flow to the end of the scope).

Should I hang a scope that I know is flooded?
No, it can cause corrosion and further internal damage. Send for repair immediately.

Flexible Endoscope Repairs: Doing It Your Way

admin — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:57:25 +0000

Today more than ever hospitals are seeking innovative ways to reduce costs and provide affordable health care. Empowering your Biomedical Engineering team to perform simple repairs on-site can save your facility hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair and shipping costs annually. Some multi facility systems have adopted the repair depot concept through which system wide repairs can be performed.

The November 24 x 7 cover story, Doing It Their Way, features the unique approach to cost containment on equipment repair adopted by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Memphis, TN.

If you’re interested in learning more about training your Clinical Engineering department to perform repairs on flexible endoscopes, look no further than Matlock Endoscopic’s Endoscope Repair Training Classes.