A new method of disinfection of the flexible fibrebronchoscope.

Abstract

A modified method for rapid sterilisation of the fibrebronchoscope using immersion of the instrument in 0.1% benzalkonium chloride for five minutes followed by a further five minutes' immersion in 96% alcohol was tested both by deliberate contamination of rubber catheters and on bronchoscopes after use in patients. The method proved effective in eliminating a wide range of potentially pathogenic organisms.