The potential benefits of an automated flexible endoscope channel brushing system for manual cleaning of endoscopes

Contaminated endoscopes have resulted in numerous infectious outbreaks of multidrug-resistant microorganisms in past decades, including those with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae [1]. Outbreaks are caused by failure to properly reprocess reusable endoscopes, leading to persistent endoscope contamination and patient exposure to potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Such outbreaks occurred even though no reprocessing lapses or endoscope defects were identified [1]. Despite numerous attempts to control the issue, to date patient-ready reusable duodenoscopes remain contaminated with gastrointestinal microflora in approximately 15 % of cases [2]. Moreover, endoscope contamination is not confined to the use of duodenoscopes. A recent review reported that 28 % of gastroscope channels and 32 % of colonoscope channels are contaminated after reprocessing [3].