Page 9 - The Care and Handling of Flexible Scopes v3

Care of Flexible Endoscopes

6. Disassembly and Cleaning in CSSD

Even if your facility has an automated machine to process the endoscope, it is
recommended that a manual leakage test and a manual cleaning process are performed
before using an automated machine.

Make sure the gas cap is not connected to the endoscope during cleaning! The gas cap is
only for low-temperature sterilization; do not attach it when using any type of liquid
with the flexible endoscope.

Always start with fresh enzymatic detergent solution and a clean, soft, lint-free cloth.
Disassemble any removable parts from the endoscope and place into an enzymatic
detergent solution (see Figure 4). Allow the endoscope and any parts to soak in the
solution for the prescribed time to loosen any debris on the surface or in the channels.
While the endoscope is soaking, use this time to brush the removable parts or wash the
light cable. Do not use any abrasive cleaners or metal brushes to clean endoscopes.
Flexible endoscopes should never be cleaned using the ultrasonic machine!

Figure 4 – Soak the Endoscope and Brush the Accessories

7. Brushing and Flushing the Channels

Next, brush the inside of the endoscope channels and ports. The brush bristles should
align to the diameter of the channel and should touch the wall of the channel without

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