Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) Probe Testing An Analysis to Evaluate the Formation of Pathogenic Bacterial Colonies on TEE Probes in Storage

摘要

In the beginning of the high level disinfection (HLD) revolution, hospitals and accrediting bodies looked to determine when should HLD be performed? Initially, the focus of this question centered, on endoscopes. As more research and time was dedicated to studying the effectiveness of HLD, questions formed on how often HLD should be performed even when the device has not been used. Research has been dedicated to the HLD of endoscopes and have resulted in evidence based guidelines on reprocessing times or"hanging times". A hanging time is the time frame in which a medical device can be stored in a contained, controlled, environmenfthat limits damage, exposure to moisture, and maintains the device to be free of harmful human pathogens. Hanging times recommended for endoscopes based on these publications ranged from 3-21 days. The most commonly accepted hanging time is 7 days post-processing as recommended by the Society of Gastro-enterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). The spotlight on these guidelines have led to providers, hospitals, and accrediting bodies applying HLD processes to devices outside of endoscopes. As facilities expand HLD requirements, Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) probes have been targeted due to the incorrect assumption that they are similar to endoscopes. This assumption is generally based on their appearance and Spaulding classification. There has been minimal research into appropriate hanging times of TEE probes post HLD. The purpose of this study was to show the differences between these two reusable medical devices and provide evidence to support longer hanging times forTEE probes post HLD.