Guidelines for Decontamination of Equipment for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Updated by: Dr Miles Allison - BSG Endoscopy Committee - February 2013
Flexible endoscopes are complex reusable instruments that require unique consideration with respect to decontamination. In addition to the external surface of endoscopes, their internal channels for air, water, aspiration and accessories are exposed to body fluids and other contaminants. In contrast to rigid endoscopes and most reusable accessories, flexible endoscopes are heat labile and cannot be autoclaved.
The Health Act was published in 2006. This stipulates the roles of decontamination leads and decontamination programmes. It emphasises the need for staff to be trained in decontamination processes and to hold appropriate competencies for their role. It decrees the need for monitoring systems to ensure that decontamination processes are fit for purpose and meet required standards. Finally it requires that there are systems in place for tracking reusable medical devices (such as endoscopes and reusable accessories) through decontamination processes, not only to assist with assuring their quality, but also to enable the identification of patients on whom the medical devices have been used.
The 6th Working Party met in 2006 to consider new developments and recommendations, including (a) the optimal modes for decontaminating water bottles and endoscope valves (pistons); (b) the latest recommendations for reducing the risks of endoscopic transmission of vCJD, including the tracking of equipment; and (c) updated recommendations on drying and storage of endoscopes, given the evolving range of purpose-built chambers designed for this purpose. The guidelines below (February 2008) are in the process of being updated to take into account changes in decontamination practice (such as remote or off-site decontamination) and vCJD risk reassessments (see below).
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2010: Joint Advisory group (the JAG) Standards for GI Endoscope Decontamination
This is the third edition of The JAG standards, prepared in order to facilitate internal audits of decontamination practice. The Standards may be referred to during JAG visits of endoscopy units. For further information please visit www.jagvisits.org.uk
"Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents: Safe Working and the Prevention of Infection"
As part of its remit for the whole of the UK the Department of Health ACDP TSE Risk Management Subgroup produces the guidance document Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents: safe working and the prevention of infection. The aim of the guidance is the minimisation of the risk of transmission of CJD, and vCJD.
Read the entire updated document on the Department of Health's 'Advisory Bodies' website:
BSG Update to Endoscopy Service on vCJD risk reassessment
In 2012 the Department of Health published the Choice Framework for local Policy and Procedures CFPP 01-06, a technical document that replaces HTM 2030. The vCJD risk reassessment is discussed in this. It is no longer necessary to quarantine endoscopes following procedures in most patients at risk of vCJD (including blood product recipients) provided that national recommendations on decontamination practice are scrupulously adhered to. The enclosed update was released by BSG in February 2013. In this there are links to related documents including the CFPP.
MHRA Guidelines
View documentation "Top ten tips" revised 2012 on MHRA website: