Abstract:
As an essential tool for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of digestive system, digestive endoscopes are widely used in clinical practice. However, due to their complex structure, long and narrow lumens and inability to withstand high temperatures, the reprocessing of digestive endoscopes faces numerous challenges. Bedside preprocessing, as the initial step in endoscope reprocessing, plays a crucial role in reducing microbial load and preventing biofilm formation. This paper systematically elaborates on the key technical aspects of the latest bedside preprocessing of digestive endoscopes both domestically and internationally, encompassing preprocessing timing, selection of cleaning agents, operational protocols and quality control. The aim is to provide practical guidance for healthcare facility administrators and decontamination personnel to ensure the quality of preprocessing, thereby effectively preventing hospital-associated infections and safeguarding the safety of both medical staff and patients.