Sampling and Culturing of Flexible Endoscopes: Stage One – The Sampling Process
Microbiological sampling and culturing is a multi-step surveillance testing technique used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents through endoscopy [1]. In stage one, the sampling of the endoscope channels and critical areas of the endoscope is performed.
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 informs about the step by step process and gives an overview of channel sampling examples as well as sampling 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 February 2023.