A recent study has highlighted the limitations of manual endoscope cleaning, particularly when it comes to the extremely narrow internal air and water channels. These channels are used frequently during procedures, but their full lengths are impossible to clean with brushes. Even when guidelines are followed, contamination can remain.
Published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, the study compared manual brushing and flushing with an Automated Endoscope Channel Cleaner (AECC). Researchers used a realistic biofilm model to simulate what can occur inside internal channels after repeated clinical use and reprocessing.
The findings showed that the AECC removed significantly more contamination than manual cleaning across all representative channels tested. The difference was especially pronounced in the smaller tubing representing air and water channels, where higher levels of residue — such as protein, organic matter and biofilm — were often left behind after manual cleaning.
Biofilm is particularly concerning because it forms a sticky, protective layer that helps bacteria survive detergents and disinfectants. If not fully removed, it can reduce the effectiveness of high-level disinfection and increase the risk of patient infection.
While manual cleaning may meet minimum guidance levels, the study suggests it may not be enough to reliably clean all internal channels. Automated cleaning offers a more consistent and effective way to remove contamination from the areas that are hardest to access.
The findings highlight the potential of automation to improve safety and consistency in endoscope reprocessing.
Read the full study:
Moshkanbaryans L, Shah V, Tan LY, et al. Comparison of two endoscope channel cleaning approaches to remove cyclic build-up biofilm. Journal of Hospital Infection. 2024;150:91–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.05.014
