What is the primary function of high-level disinfection in endoscope reprocessing?

What is the primary function of high-level disinfection in endoscope reprocessing?

• A. Kills all microorganisms including spores
• B. Kills microorganisms but not bacterial spores
• C. Sterilizes the endoscope completely
• D. Only cleans external surfaces

Answer: (B)

High-level disinfection is a critical component in the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes, as it aims to eliminate a broad range of microorganisms that can pose infection risks. The primary function of high-level disinfection is to kill most pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi; however, it does not reliably kill bacterial spores. This distinction is crucial, as spores are a more resilient form of bacteria and require sterilization to be effectively eradicated. In clinical practice, high-level disinfection is used when the scope must be reprocessed between patient uses, especially when it comes into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. Disinfectants used in this process are validated to achieve high levels of microbial kill, making them sufficient for most endoscopic procedures, yet they fall short of achieving the sterility that is required for instruments used in sterile body cavities. Therefore, the answer that identifies the function of high-level disinfection as killing microorganisms but not bacterial spores accurately underscores the limitations of this process. Understanding this distinction helps ensure appropriate practices in infection control and patient safety within medical settings.

High-level disinfection is a critical component in the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes, as it aims to eliminate a broad range of microorganisms that can pose infection risks. The primary function of high-level disinfection is to kill most pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi; however, it does not reliably kill bacterial spores. This distinction is crucial, as spores are a more resilient form of bacteria and require sterilization to be effectively eradicated.

In clinical practice, high-level disinfection is used when the scope must be reprocessed between patient uses, especially when it comes into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. Disinfectants used in this process are validated to achieve high levels of microbial kill, making them sufficient for most endoscopic procedures, yet they fall short of achieving the sterility that is required for instruments used in sterile body cavities.

Therefore, the answer that identifies the function of high-level disinfection as killing microorganisms but not bacterial spores accurately underscores the limitations of this process. Understanding this distinction helps ensure appropriate practices in infection control and patient safety within medical settings.