According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control, 71 percent of reusable medical scopes tested positive for bacteria.
Sterilization is an assumption many patients make as they enter a hospital. But the reality of unclean instruments is something that may shock patients. In the study, researchers noted improper disinfection practices in large health systems that were cause for concern when it came to patients’ safety.
"These results are pretty scary," said Janet Haas, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. "These are very complicated pieces of equipment, and even when hospitals do everything right we still have a risk associated with these devices. None of us have the answer right now."
Researchers recommended a move toward sterilization of all medical scopes using gas or chemicals, a step above the current disinfections requirements, to eliminate the unseen threat to patients.
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Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.