Pentax EC-380LKp, Owner'S Manual, Page: 36 / 52

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2) As long as the entire instrument is immersed in disin-
fecting solution, the cleaning adapters, the syringes
used in previous steps and the rubber inlet seal should
remain removed while the instrument remains fully
under the disinfecting solution. The removal of com-
ponent parts and cleaning adapters from the endoscope
will eliminate the risk of mated surfaces not being
exposed to the liquid chemical germicide.
3) While fully immersed, manipulate valve mechanisms and inject disinfectant via syringe into/through remov-
able scope components. This will remove entrapped air bubbles that could inhibit contact of solution with
component surfaces and provide for better exposure of surfaces to germicide. Make sure disinfectant is
injected into/through the rubber inlet seal. The endoscope’s component parts, including all valves should
remain in contact with the disinfecting solution for the time period recommended by the manufacturer of the
solution and accepted by the user as appropriate to accomplish the desired clinical effect.
4) After the endoscope and its component parts have been in contact with the disinfecting solution for an appro-
priate time, flush all channels with air to purge remaining disinfectant, then remove the scope and its compo-
nents from the solution. Thoroughly rinse the entire endoscope and all its components with sterile water.
5) a)A 20 mL syringe filled with sterile water should be attached to adapter OF-G17 to flush disinfecting solu-
tion from the air and water channels of the scope. Repeat it four times. Fill a syringe with air and flush
through the air and water channels several times to force any residual water out of the tubing and nozzles.
Dry thoroughly.
b)With the A/W instrument channel cleaning adapter OF-B115 attached, rinse the entire suction system, in-
cluding both instrument channel (s) with sterilie water (200 mL or more). Flush air through the instrument
channel(s) several times to remove residual water. Dry thoroughly.
6) Following an alcohol rinse, the following steps may be performed to aid in the drying process.
a) Remove the air/water/instrument channel cleaning adapters, OF-B115, air/water/channel adapter OF-G17,
reinstall the previously reprocessed scope components.
b) Attach the scope to an external suction source, and aspirate air through the channel of the scope to remove
any residual alcohol and to air dry channel surfaces.
DC
Never remove the soaking cap.
WARNING:
It is imperative that ALL internal surfaces of the channels are in contact with the disinfecting solution for
the time period recommended by the manufacturer of the solution.
NOTE:
Ideally, all final rinses should be made with sterile water or bacteria-free water whose microbial quality
has been confirmed via monitoring. After water rinsing, 70-90% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol should be
flushed through all channels, followed by compressed air, not greater than 165 kPa (24 PSI) to facilitate
drying. Channel cleaning adapters should be used for alcohol flushing/rinsing and forced air drying. The
outer surfaces of the endoscopes can be dried by gently wiping with a sterile gauze or lint-free cloth sat-
urated with alcohol.
Regardless of the liquid chemical germicide (sterilant or high-level disinfectant) and/or the quality of the
rinse water used, a dry instrument accomplished by a final alcohol rinse followed by forced air is essential
to prevent bacteria colonization and/or infections associated with waterborne microorganisms. Such
infections are more likely to occur when wet/contaminated instruments are used on patients whose
immune systems are compromised or suppressed or when these devices are used in anatomical areas
considered sterile and/or susceptible to these organisms.