Endoscope Health Article

KEY TERMS

Fiber optics—A technology using glass (or plastic) fibers to transmit data. A fiber optic cable is simply a bundle of these threads, each of which is capable of transmitting light wave data. Fiber optic cables can carry much more data in less space than conventional metal wires (i.e. they have greater bandwidth), are thinner and lighter, and are appropriate for transmission of digital data. It is possible to construct flexible fiber bundles that are spatially aligned for use in endoscopic procedures.

Health care team roles

Physicians perform endoscopic procedures while nurses and other medical personnel aid them. Health personnel prepare the equipment prior to examination and play a critical role in disinfecting it after the procedure has culminated. Endoscopes and accessories should be examined by health care staff for structural integrity, proper function, and cleanliness before use; during the exam; immediately following disinfection procedures; and prior to disinfection/sterilization. It is also recommended that endoscopes and accessories be thoroughly tested before initial use and used in accordance with the manufacturer's manual.

Training

Training varies from procedure to procedure among the widely varying types of endoscopy; however, disinfection training is essentially similar, except that there are major differences in cleansing between rigid, flexible (the most difficult), and electronic endoscopes.

PERIODICALS

Dietze, B., H. Neuman, U. Mansmann, and H. Martiny. "Determination of Gluteraldehyde Residues on Flexible Endoscopes after Chemothermal Treatment in an Endoscope Washer-Disinfector." Endoscopy 33, no. 6 (2001): 529-532.

Hasegawa, K., and Y. Sato. "Endoscope system for high-speed 3D measurement." Systems and Computers in Japan 32, no. 8 (July 2001): 30-39.

ORGANIZATIONS

The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN). AORN, Inc., 2170 South Parker Rd., Suite 300, Denver, CO 80231-5711. (800) 755-2676 or (303) 755-6300. <http://www.aorn.org>.

OTHER

Endoscope Tutorial. <http://www.leineroptics.com/endotut.htm>.

Bryan Ronain Smith