Infection Control Practices in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in the United States: A National Survey

Abstract

Objective: To ascertain current infection control practices, endoscope cleaning procedures, perceived risks of infection, and implementation of universal precautions in gastrointestinal endoscopy units in the United States. Design: National mailed survey of gastroenterology nurses and associates conducted anonymously in March 1988. Setting: Completed surveys were received from all 50 states and Puerto Rico and from all practice settings. The most common practice setting was private/community hospitals (66%). Participants: Of the 4,952 survey forms mailed to all members and to interested nonmembers of the Society of Gastrointestinal Nurses and Associates, 2,158 (44%) were returned and 2,030 (41%) were completed and evaluable. Of the respondents, 1,487 (73%) were registered nurses. Results: Sixty-seven percent (n= 1,358) of the respondents routinely used an enzymatic cleaner as a step in the instrument decontamination process; 93% (n=1,879) chemically disinfected instruments after each case; and 88% (n=1,779) disinfected endoscopes with an aqueous glutaraldehyde product. Respondents reported that they and a significantly smaller proportion of physicians (p