The secret of electronic endoscopes in gastrointestinal endoscopy: a journey of strict "cleaning" for one person per endoscopy

When facing a gastrointestinal endoscopy, many patients may wonder: Is the electronic endoscope that goes deep into the body really for one person only? Is it clean? Don't worry, today we will unveil the "mystery" of the electronic endoscope.

Gastroenteroscopy is a "powerful assistant" in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, and electronic endoscopes are the "key players". On the "stage" of regular medical institutions, the use of electronic endoscopes has an ironclad "performance rule" - that is, one person, one use.

After each "inspection drama" ends, the electronic endoscope immediately starts its "cleaning journey". Just like a warrior who has just finished a battle, he is quickly sent to a special "cleaning and disinfection battlefield". Professional "medical craftsmen" first gently "wipe" it to remove the "battle traces" such as mucus and blood adhering to the surface. Then, soak it in a special enzyme washing solution to allow those stubborn residual organic matter to decompose and dissipate under the "magic" of the enzyme. Then, it will be sent to the "high-tech cleaning castle" of the fully automatic cleaning and disinfection machine, where it will go through many "levels" such as flushing, disinfection, and rinsing to ensure that every "corner" of the endoscope is fully covered by the power of cleaning and disinfection. Finally, after drying, it will recuperate in the sterile "quiet harbor" and wait for the arrival of the next patient.

Not only that, medical institutions will also conduct "strict assessments" on the cleaning and disinfection effects of endoscopes like rigorous "examiners" on a regular basis - using professional methods such as biological monitoring to ensure that the disinfection quality is "excellent". The medical management department is a "sword of supervision" hanging high, and will conduct detailed inspections on the cleaning and disinfection work of endoscopes in medical institutions from time to time. Once violations are found, they will be severely punished without mercy.

Therefore, under the "health shield" of regular medical institutions, the electronic endoscope used in gastrointestinal endoscopy is like a treasure that is carefully protected, and its cleanliness and hygiene are fully and multi-level guaranteed. Patients only need to choose regular hospitals for examinations with confidence, and do not step into the "health minefield" of irregular places due to negligence. Only in this way can they steadily embark on the road of health and safety.

Author: Ning Yijun

Unit: Shanxi Bethune Hospital