Lia Moshkanbaryans

Summary Biofilm contributes significantly to bacterial persistence in endoscope channels. Enhanced cleaning methods capable of removing biofilm from all endoscope channels are required to decrease infection risk to patients. This head-to-head study compared cyclic build-up biofilm removal of an automated endoscope channel cleaner (AECC) to standard manual cleaning according to instructions for use (IFU) in polytetrafluorethylene channels.

By Lia Moshkanbaryans, PhD This November, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has spotlighted the need to reduce infection risk from non-critical medical devices.1 Non-critical items contact intact skin and can be shared frequently between patients (e.g. stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs). Non-critical devices require cleaning followed by low or intermediate level disinfection, to help protect patients.

Digital systems for storage and retrieval of images and patient information have also streamlined workflows for imaging staff by moving away from film- and paper-based searching and archiving. The principles of automation and digitization can be applied in ultrasound infection prevention (IP) solutions, complementing point-of-care imaging workflows by standardizing practices that have traditionally involved multiple manual steps.