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.