Abstract
We routinely perform staining and culture of samples flushed with sterile saline through the biopsy channel of endoscopes used at our institutes; this procedure is termed the cleanliness survey and is used to monitor the cleanliness and disinfection of endoscopes. Bacteria have been occasionally detected in this cleanliness survey; therefore, we administered a questionnaire to the endoscope cleaning staff at our institute. This questionnaire comprised questions about methods and suggestions concerning the cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes in order to raise awareness of the importance of these procedures. The results of the questionnaire survey indicated that the cleaning and disinfection methods were compliant with the guidelines of the Japanese Society of Environmental Infections. However, there were individual differences in the number of times a contaminated endoscope was brushed and the management of this cleaning brush. We also compared the six-month positive-culture rate (culture-positive number/investigation number) obtained before the survey with that obtained after the survey, and observed that this rate decreased from 17.1% to 7.7%, indicating that endoscope cleanliness improved after the survey. Therefore, the questionnaire survey was useful for confirming the efficacy of the cleaning and disinfection methods and in increasing the awareness of cleaning staff. In addition, a consultant was requested to educate the staff on the cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes, and this was a good opportunity to hear the cleaning staff's opinions. In conclusion, it is important to conduct questionnaires and routine cleanliness surveys for maintaining and increasing cleaning staff awareness.
