Leak Testing and Inspection
Which test should be completed before immersion when required by the manufacturer's IFU.
A leak test.
This is the most important step in the reprocessing process.
Disinfection/cleaning.
What is the most delicate portion of a KARL STORZ flexible endoscope?
The distal tip.
Before cleaning begins, this document should always be consulted for the specific Karl Storz scope being reprocessed.
The IFU.
This should be completed before every reprocessing cycle, checking for cracks, dents, and kinks.
How do you dry a KARL STORZ flexible endoscope?
Manually.
*Never use compressed air on a KARL STORZ flexible endoscope or place a KARL STORZ flexible endoscope in a drying cabinet.
Excessive bending of the insertion tube (the flexible portion of the endoscope) can cause this type of damage.
Pinched shaft sheathing.
This part of a Karl Storz flexible scope contains the controls used to operate angulation and should be the primary point of handling.
The handle.
Bubbles observed during a leak test may indicate this problem.
A leak.
These tools should match the correct channel diameter and length.
Cleaning brushes.
The best way to extend scope life is consistent adherence to these documents.
The IFU.
When inspecting a Karl Storz video scope, special attention should be paid to this area because it contains the camera and illumination components.
The distal tip.
When reprocessing a KARL STORZ flexible endoscope, you should complete a wet leak test only if this occurs first.
The scope has passed a dry leak test.
*A wet leak test should never be performed on a scope that has failed a dry leak test.*
Wiping a flexible scope while in this position can cause damage to the distal tip.
Deflection of the distal tip.
When handling a flexible endoscope, you should always hold it by this part of the device.
The handle.
If a Karl Storz flexible endoscope is dropped, bent excessively, or fails inspection, it should undergo this action before being returned to clinical use.
Removed from service for evaluation and testing.
Continuing to reprocess a scope that fails leak testing can lead to this type of internal damage.
Fluid invasion.
When reprocessing a KARL STORZ flexible scope, what are the most common accessories required for manual cleaning?
A brush for the handle, a lint free cloth, a brush for working channels/luer locks.
This common handling error can cause costly damage to the distal tip, camera chip, and deflection mechanism of a Karl Storz flexible video endoscope.
Lifting or carrying the scope by the insertion tube instead of the control body (handle).
During manual cleaning of a Karl Storz flexible endoscope, encountering resistance while brushing a channel is a sign to stop immediately and perform this action rather than forcing the brush through.
Inspect the channel and verify the correct brush size and cleaning procedure.