Table 1.

Steps for gastroscope reprocessing in the present study

Gastroscope reprocessing
Cleaning After completion of the cleaning procedure, the inserted tube was wiped with a wet cloth and soaked in detergent solution (chlorhexidine or 3E-ZYME). Detergent solution was suctioned through the biopsy channel until the solution was visibly clean.
While the scope was submerged, mechanical cleaning was performed by washing all debris from the exterior. All removable parts were separately cleaned. A soft cleaning brush was used to clean all accessible channels. Manual cleansing was done for 10 min.
The scope was removed from the detergent solution and then submerged in 5 L of filtered water. An all-channel irrigator was used to flush water through it.
Leak testing of the scope was performed.
Disinfection After manual cleaning, the gastroscope underwent high-level disinfection in a container using 2% glutaraldehyde with a 20-min soak time.
The scope was removed from 2% glutaraldehyde and then submerged in 5 L of filtered water. An all-channel irrigator was used to flush water through it.
Rinsing and Drying The suction/biopsy channel was rinsed with 70% alcohol 20 mL and dried for 5 min.
The suction/biopsy channel was sampled using the flush method.