Endoscopes are cleaned and _____.

Endoscopes are critical medical instruments used for procedures that involve the internal examination of a patient's body. Due to their nature and the risk of transmitting infections, it is essential that endoscopes undergo a thorough cleaning and high-level disinfection process after each use. High-level disinfection involves using chemical agents that effectively kill a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, ensuring that the devices are safe for subsequent patients.

This method is particularly crucial for endoscopes that come into contact with mucous membranes or sterile body areas, as they can pose a significant risk of infection if not properly disinfected. While sterilization is the highest level of disinfection and is required for instruments that enter sterile tissues or the vascular system, endoscopes typically require high-level disinfection instead, as they are not intended to penetrate tissue or enter sterile regions. Low-level and intermediate-level disinfections are not sufficient for equipment that may have been exposed to high-risk pathogens.