A STUDY OF THE COMTAMINATION RISK FOR THE COLONOSCOPIST

Abstract

Aim : To clarify the contamination risk for the colonoscopist during colonoscopic procedure.
Methods : Colonoscopists performed colonoscopy with a medical face-guard, and the number and the area of droplets on the face-guard were counted after colonoscopy.
Results : More use of the instrument channel tended to increase the droplets count and area. There were more droplets on the left side than right side of the face-guard. Therefore, the droplets dispersed from the instrument channel appeared to be a risk for contamination.
There were more droplets on the face-guard of colonoscopists who had less experience than others, and it appeared that their inexperience with the use of the instrument channel increased the infection risk.
Conclusion : We suggest that colonoscopists and ancillary staff who are involved in colonoscopy should wear gowns and goggles to prevent contamination during the colonoscopy.