Sampling and Culturing of Flexible Endoscopes: Stage Two – The Culturing Process
Microbiological sampling and culturing is a multi-step surveillance testing technique used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents through endoscopy 1. Stage two, the culturing process, includes colony count, identification of microorganisms, documentation and evaluation of the culturing results 2.
Although the sampling and culturing of endoscopes is commonplace in many countries, national guidelines and laws on hygiene and infection control vary and are based on historic regional/national level evidence 1.
The infographic gives an overview of the different culturing stages as well as culturing essentials.
Olympus. Understanding the Differences in Sampling & Culturing of Flexible Endoscopes: Why we need a unified approach. Available online at: https://infectionprevention.olympus.com/en-us/scientific-evidence/publications/understanding-differences-sampling-culturing. Accessed March 2023.
Olympus. Tips, Tricks and Insights for Implementation and Management of an Endoscope Sampling and Culturing Program. Available at: https://infectionprevention.olympus.com/en-us/scientific-evidence/publications/sampling-and-culturing. Accessed April 2023.