



Science
Publications
Instruments
Kampf, G.
Clostridium difficile – what has to be kept in mind for effective disinfection?
Hyg Med 2008; 33 (4): 153 - 159.
Content
Clostridium difficile is a dangerous nosocomial germ - particularly because of its ability to develop spores – and inanimate surfaces are a reservoir for new infections. This article shows that sporicidal surface disinfection can significantly reduce the rate of infection.
Zühlsdorf B, Kampf G, Floss H, Martiny H.
Suitability of the German test method for cleaning efficacy in washer-disinfectors
for flexible endoscopes according to prEN ISO 15883.
J Hosp Infect. 2005; 61 (1):46-52.
Content
In Europe, reprocessing processes of flexible endoscopes in washer disinfectors
(WD) are evaluated in compliance with prEN ISO 15883-1, which includes
a determination of the efficacy of the cleaning process. For separate
determination of the cleaning process, the German test method as part
of prEN ISO 15883-1 (annex B) is applied. Recent investigations using
the German test method resulted in major differences in the efficacy
of individual cleaning processes. In order to assess the validity of
the German test method, the study carried out a total of 72 experiments.
7 cleaning agents were used according to the manufacturers' instructions
in 21 cleaning processes. In addition, three cleaning processes were
carried out with water only. Every cleaning process was executed triply
and evaluated by determining the average value of all three experiments.
The study comes to the conclusion that the German prEN ISO 15883-1 test
method is suitable for evaluating cleaning processes in WDs and leads
to reproducible, valid results.
Zühlsdorf B, Floss H, Martiny H.
Efficacy of 10 different cleaning processes in a washer disinfector for
flexible endoscopes.
J Hosp Infect. 2004; 56: 305-311.
Content
Successful cleaning of medical devices, such as flexible endoscopes, has
been recognized to be of major importance for effective reprocessing.
Washer disinfectors (WD) are considered to be an important step in this
direction. However, the cleaning process in WDs has only been partially
assessed in terms of efficacy. In order to study this in more detail,
tests which used transparent Teflon tubes as test pieces (2 m length)
were carried out in accordance with prEN ISO 15883.
A German-language reprint of this study can be requested at
Dagmar Schulte-Schrepping
Pajkos A, Vickery K, Cossart C.
Is biofilm accumulation on endoscope tubing a contributor to the failure
of cleaning and decontamination?
J Hosp Infect. 2004; 58:224–229.
Content
Biofilms are difficult to remove with the currently available cleaning
procedures. It was tested whether biofilms develop on surfaces of endoscope
tubing having been in contact with fluids.
A German-language reprint of this study can be requested at
Dagmar Schulte-Schrepping
Kampf G, Bloß R, Martiny H.
Surface fixation of dried blood by glutaraldehyde and peracetic acid.
J Hosp Infect. 2004; 57: 139-143.
Content
The difficulties of successful prion inactivation by chemical disinfectants
have led to new requirements on the reprocessing of instruments, including
flexible endoscopes. One demand is the preference for peracetic acid
instead of glutaraldehyde in order to avoid fixation of organic material.
In this study, the fixation properties of various chemical disinfectants
have been investigated. It has been shown that not only glutaraldehyde
leads to blood fixation, but also peracetic acid. The result once again
underlines the importance of a thorough cleaning prior to the execution
of the chemical disinfection.
Following studies and publications can be requested as reprints at Dagmar Schulte-Schrepping
In German available only
Bloß R.
Influence of disinfection agents on instrument cleaning.
Talk at DGKH Congress 04-10-2002.
Content
For instrument reprocessing, the influence of different disinfection agents
on protein adhesion has been reviewed by the means of standardized blood
fixation and standardized test pieces. It has been shown that products
containing aldehydes or peracetic acid have a fixing effect on proteins.
Even with a subsequent alkaline cleaning, residues can only be removed
partly. Hence, an in-depth pre-cleaning is necessary, particularly when
aldehyde- or peracetic acid-containing disinfectants are used.
Martiny H.
Water exposure through microorganisms.
Krankenhaus Arzt 1996; 69 (4): 195-197.
Content
Even with an excellently carried out disinfection, a subsequent rinsing
can cause re-contamination. What are the reasons?
Martiny H.
Water: high quality is the basic requirement, part II.
Krankenhaus Arzt 1996; 69: 244-245
Content
Besides hardness constituents, water also contains other ions, which partly
exert influence on the instrument reprocessing.
Sarunski D, Niknam S.
Helicobacter pylori: risk of contamination through endoscopes?
ENDO-PRAXIS 2000; 1.
Content
In connection with helicobacter pylori infections, inadequately reprocessed
endoscopes are also in the discussion as a possible source of contamination.
It is for sure that only appropriate reprocessing procedures and extensively
tested products can prevent a possible transmission of microorganisms.
Albrecht H.
Infection potential of contrast media residues; novel efficacy system for
duodenoscopes is superior to enzymatic cleaners.
ENDO-PRAXIS 2000; 2: 18-19.
Content
Crystallized x-ray contrast media constitutes a good culture medium for
microorganisms, as these residues cannot be dissolved and removed by
common cleaning agents and disinfectants. A new product development provides
a solution.