In modern healthcare, patient safety and infection control are top priorities for hospitals and surgical centers. One of the critical components in ensuring these priorities is the proper reprocessing of flexible endoscopes. This is where ST91, the latest standard for endoscope reprocessing by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), plays a crucial role.
What is ST91?
ST91 is a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to improve the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of flexible endoscopes. Developed by AAMI, this standard outlines best practices to minimize infection risks associated with endoscope use. Given that endoscopes are complex devices with intricate channels, ensuring their proper reprocessing is essential to preventing cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Key Highlights of ST91
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols
ST91 emphasizes thorough pre-cleaning, manual cleaning, and high-level disinfection (HLD) or sterilization based on the type of procedure and patient risk factors.
Storage and Drying Requirements
The standard mandates proper drying and storage conditions to prevent bacterial growth. It recommends using drying cabinets with continuous airflow to reduce moisture accumulation.
Personnel Training and Competency
ST91 stresses the need for staff education, ensuring that technicians handling endoscope reprocessing are well-trained and demonstrate competency in infection prevention practices.
Documentation and Traceability
A key focus of ST91 is improving traceability, requiring facilities to document every step of the reprocessing cycle. This includes tracking scope use, cleaning procedures, and storage conditions.
Emphasis on Sterilization for Certain Procedures
While HLD remains a common practice, ST91 recommends sterilization for endoscopes used in higher-risk procedures to further reduce infection risks.
The Impact of ST91 on Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and surgical centers implementing ST91 can expect improved patient safety, reduced HAIs, and greater compliance with regulatory standards. By adopting these guidelines, healthcare providers can ensure a higher standard of care while mitigating risks associated with endoscope use.
How Mobile Aspects Supports ST91 Compliance
At Mobile Aspects, we provide innovative RFID-based solutions to streamline endoscope tracking and reprocessing documentation. Our iRIScope system ensures real-time visibility into the cleaning, storage, and usage history of each endoscope, making compliance with ST91 seamless and efficient.
By leveraging technology to enhance traceability and accountability, hospitals can confidently meet ST91 standards while optimizing their workflow and ensuring patient safety.
Conclusion
The implementation of ST91 is a significant step forward in infection prevention and patient safety. By adhering to these best practices, healthcare facilities can enhance their reprocessing protocols, minimize infection risks, and improve overall care quality. As technology continues to evolve, integrating automated tracking and compliance solutions will be key to maintaining the highest standards in endoscope reprocessing.
For more information on how Mobile Aspects can help your facility comply with ST91, contact us today!