Page 13 - The Care and Handling of Flexible Scopes v3

Care of Flexible Endoscopes

Not all endoscopes are validated for all the various types of automatic reprocessing
machines (AER, ECR, STERIS System 1E, etc.). Always refer to the endoscope
manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the machine is safe to use for the flexible
endoscope.

10. Drying the Channels Prior to Assembly

Dry the channels with a filtered, compressed air device or a syringe. Be sure to stay
within the pressure limits set forth by the manufacturer for a compressed air device.
Pressure that is too high can tear the interior wall of the channel and cause damage later
on. It is recommended to flush the channels with denatured alcohol for optimal drying.
Dry the outside of the endoscope with a soft cloth.

A drying cabinet also can be used to dry the endoscope (see Figure 7). Hang the flexible
endoscope in a vertical position and leave it in the cabinet for the time recommended by
the cabinet’s manufacturer.

Figure 7 – Hang a Flexible Endoscope in a Drying Cabinet

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