Endoscope use, disinfection and operation methods

In recent years, endoscopic technology has played an increasingly important role in medical diagnosis and treatment. However, correct use, disinfection, and handling methods are critical to ensuring medical safety and diagnostic accuracy. This article will delve into the use, disinfection and operation methods of endoscopes to provide more professional knowledge and safety protection for medical staff and patients.

1. How to use
The correct use of endoscopes is key to ensuring examination results and patient safety. Before using an endoscope, medical staff need to make adequate preparations. First, confirm the patient's physical condition and examination site, and understand the patient's medical history and allergies in order to adjust the examination plan and medication use. Secondly, select the appropriate endoscope model and size, and choose the appropriate endoscope according to different inspection sites and purposes. Finally, prepare the necessary inspection equipment and drugs, including endoscopes, light sources, camera systems, biological biopsy tools, etc.

During use, medical staff need to accurately guide the endoscope into the patient's body to avoid damage to organs and tissues, and promptly observe and record abnormalities during the examination. According to the patient's reaction and examination results, the position and angle of the endoscope are adjusted in a timely manner to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the examination. After the examination, medical staff need to take out the endoscope in time and perform necessary processing and records to provide a reference for subsequent diagnosis and treatment.

2. Disinfection methods
Disinfection of endoscopes is a necessary step to prevent cross-infection and ensure medical safety. After use, endoscopes need to be strictly disinfected and cleaned. Generally speaking, endoscope disinfection methods include chemical disinfection and thermal disinfection.

Chemical disinfection: Soak the endoscope in a container containing disinfectant, soak and clean it according to the specified time and concentration. Commonly used disinfectants include peracetic acid, acetaldehyde, chlorhexidine, etc. Chemical disinfection can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, but attention must be paid to concentration and time control to avoid corrosion and damage to the endoscope.

Thermal sterilization: Place the endoscope in high-temperature steam or hot water for high-temperature sterilization. Thermal disinfection can completely kill bacteria and viruses and has little impact on the material and structure of the endoscope. However, attention needs to be paid to controlling the temperature and time to avoid deformation and damage to the endoscope.

3. Operation method
Endoscopic operating technique is critical to the accuracy of examination results and patient comfort. When operating an endoscope, medical personnel need to have certain skills and experience and be proficient in the operation methods of the endoscope.

First, medical staff need to hold the endoscope correctly, maintain a stable posture, and control the entry and movement of the endoscope through flexible wrists. At the same time, medical staff also need to flexibly adjust the angle and depth of the endoscope according to the patient's actual situation and examination needs to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the examination. During the operation, medical staff need to carefully observe and promptly record abnormal conditions during the examination, and promptly adjust operating methods and treatment plans.

4. Endoscope use and recommendations
It is strictly forbidden to bend or bump vigorously during surgery.
When using auxiliary treatment equipment, ensure safe operation within the field of view. When the speculum is operated with laser vaporization, high-frequency electrocution, microwave and other photoelectric technologies, attention should be paid to the distance between the front end of the speculum and the treatment point to ensure that the front end of the speculum is not Electric shock or cautery.
When adjusting the angle of view during surgery, the mirror itself needs to be protected. When the mirror is connected to the sheath, it must be aligned and fixed with a latch to prevent excessive force.
It is recommended to store it separately to avoid collision with other equipment. It must be handled with care to avoid collision with the mirror. The glass cylinder of the mirror image transmission system is fragile.
It is recommended to soak in warm water and apply anti-fog oil before surgery

5. General precautions for endoscopy
During cleaning and disinfection, it is recommended to separate the mirror from other surgical instruments and use a plastic basin to clean them.
The lens must be cleaned before disinfection, otherwise foreign matter will accumulate on the lens after disinfection and affect the image quality. When there are too many foreign objects on the lens, you can use a cotton swab to apply some of the cleaner that comes with the mirror on the mirror surface, and then clean it with clean water.
Try not to change disinfection and sterilization methods frequently, which is good for the sealing of the mirror.
It is forbidden to use ultrasonic waves to clean mirrors, and try not to use saline to clean mirrors, otherwise they will easily become rusty.
After disinfecting the mirror with high temperature and high pressure, be sure to let the mirror cool down naturally. Do not use cold water to cool it down.
Therefore, the mirror soaking and disinfection time cannot exceed 60 minutes.

Disinfection methods for hard and semi-rigid mirrors
Immersion disinfection: 2% glutaraldehyde, 25℃, 60 minutes.
Recommended ETO gas disinfection: 10% ETO (ethylene oxide) mixed with 90% HCFC-124 (chlorotetrafluoroethane) gas disinfection, 54±2℃, pressure 056~0.7Bar, 2 hours, ventilated and dried for 12 hours, concentration 600±30mg/L
High-temperature and high-pressure disinfection: It is recommended not to use high-temperature and high-pressure disinfection as much as possible, but high-temperature and high-pressure disinfection can also be performed in emergencies. Conditions for high-temperature and high-pressure disinfection: It is recommended to control the high-temperature and high-pressure disinfection and sterilization time to 134°

Through in-depth understanding and discussion of the use, disinfection and operation methods of endoscopes, it can help medical staff and patients better understand the importance and safety of endoscopy, improve the quality and efficiency of medical services, and provide medical diagnosis and treatment to provide more protection and support.