Quality Assurance

Sampling and culturing is one possibility to monitor the quality of endoscope reprocessing. Find here an overview about important information related to sampling and culturing including indicator microorganisms.

Close-up of a healthcare professional in PPE with a swab in hand taking a sample from the distal end of an endoscope

Sampling and Culturing: Stage One – Sampling

Microbiological sampling and culturing is a multi-step surveillance testing technique. In stage one, the sampling of the endoscope channels and critical areas is performed.

Laboratory staff discussing culturing results on an iPad

Sampling and Culturing: Stage Two – Culturing

Microbiological sampling and culturing is a multi-step surveillance testing technique. Stage two evaluates collected samples to detect any contamination after reprocessing.

Scientist analyzing microscope slide at laboratory.

Understanding the Differences in Sampling and Culturing

Gain insides about sampling and culturing of flexible endoscopes, why it is essential in infection prevention and why a unified approach is so important.

Healthcare professional with agar plate in hand

US Study: Sampling, Culturing, and Evaluating Correctly

The study has shown that implementing a sampling and culturing program helps to increase patient safety and improves internal quality assurance.

Healthcare professionals checking the distal end of an Olympus endoscope

Tips, Tricks and Insights for Sampling and Culturing

Employing an endoscope sampling and culturing program can be very beneficial in detecting contamination before patient use.

Endoscopist with Olympus endoscope in hand

Nationwide Systematic Survey of Duodenoscopes

Study from the Netherlands investigated the prevalence of contamination among duodenoscopes used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Laboratory staff with personal protective equipment (PPE) and test tube in hand

Dutch Study on Contamination Risks from EUS and Duodenoscopes

A nationwide study in the Netherlands investigated the prevalence of contaminated duodenoscopes and linear ultrasound endoscopes.

Escherichia coli

E. coli bacteria are the most common pathogens of nosocomial infections. They can cause a variety of diseases and show high rates of decreased antimicrobial susceptibility.

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Studies investigating the prevalence of contamination among duodenoscopes used for ERCP, show Klebsiella pneumoniae to be an organism of high concern.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Known as a waterborne bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is also a strong biofilm former that shows resistance against numerous antibiotics.

Microscope image of a spherical bacterium.

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections. Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus are also able to produce toxins.