Matlock Endoscopic Repair » Sales http://matlockendo.com Repairs, Sales, Training Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:10:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 Leak Test…Leak Test…Leak Test http://matlockendo.com/2009/09/02/348/ http://matlockendo.com/2009/09/02/348/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:13:05 +0000 admin http://matlockendo.com/?p=348
 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.
]]> http://matlockendo.com/2009/09/02/348/feed/ 0 Protecting Your Capital Investment http://matlockendo.com/2009/07/09/protecting-your-capital-investment/ http://matlockendo.com/2009/07/09/protecting-your-capital-investment/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:20:45 +0000 admin http://matlockendo.com/?p=206

With the slowing economy resulting in smaller capital  budgets for new endoscopy equipment,  forging a solid relationship with a reputable repair vendor is more important than ever. Even if you have an OEM service contract on your newer equipment, you still need to maintain your 160, 140 and 100 series scopes.

Never replace your flexible endoscopes prematurely. There is little that cannot be repaired on a flexible scope with today’s advanced repair technologies.  At a price of $25,000 and up for new scopes, consulting with a reputable repair vendor before considering replacement is both practical and prudent.

Should you need to replace, taking advantage of refurbished equipment is a wise option. A reputable vendor can help you put together complete systems at a fraction the OEM cost and provide service contract options to help control maintenance and repair cost of these delicate instruments.

The market is flooded with vendors, but there are only a few real professionals. There are vendors with workshops in their garage or basement. There are vendors that will Frankenstein your scope back together with sub-par parts and repair techniques. And then there is Matlock Endoscopic who has specialized in small and large diameter flexible endoscope repair, complete system sales, and facility installation for nearly 20 years.

Not sure about the facility you are using? Request a site visit. We would love to see you.

]]> http://matlockendo.com/2009/07/09/protecting-your-capital-investment/feed/ 0