I.2 Scope Cleanliness Device
Problem Description
Endoscopes and bronchoscopes are the medical devices most frequently associated with outbreaks of nosocomial infections due to difficulty in cleaning and disinfection . A large outbreak of P. aeruginosa infections related to bronchoscopy was apparently
caused by a loose biopsy-port cap in the bronchoscopes, thus retaining water residue leading to the growth of this organism.Instrument safety and surveillance methods for bronchoscopy must be improved. Our need statement is: A way to improve scope cleanliness for any patient undergoing a bronchoscopy in order to reduce infections due to insufficient cleaning and disinfection. Solutions could include a new scope design, scope cleaning protocols, and/or other solutions.