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.
Sources and further readings
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 March 2023.