AORN: New Guideline for Processing Flexible Endoscopes recommends drying cabinets

Editor's Note

The recently revised “Guideline for Processing Flexible Endoscopes” recommends that flexible endoscopes be stored in drying cabinets, the September 14 Periop Today reports.

The explanation for this new recommendation includes:

• Optimal storage facilitates drying and decreases the potential for contamination.
• Studies on drying cabinets, which circulate HEPA-filtered air through the cabinet while forcing filtered air through the endoscope channels, show they effectively limit bacterial proliferation during storage.

The new Guideline is available September 16.