Effectiveness of manual cleaning and disinfection of gastroendoscopes with 3% glutaraldehyde for decreasing risk of transmission of hepatitis C virus.

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of manual cleaning and disinfection of gastroendoscopes with 3% glutaraldehyde in decreasing the risk of transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was examined.

METHODS

Gastroendoscopes used for treatment of endoscopic esophageal variceal ligation in patients with HCV infection were manually cleaned and disinfected with 3% glutaraldehyde (n = 25), 2% glutaraldehyde (n = 17), or 0.1% benzethonium chloride (n = 25). Samples were obtained by pouring 20 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution into the biopsy-suction channel of the scope before and after cleaning and disinfection. HCV was detected with the polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Of the 25 scopes in 3% glutaraldehyde group, nine (36%) were positive for HCV before cleaning and disinfection, but all became negative after cleaning and disinfection; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). In contrast, in 2% glutaraldehyde group and in the routine cleaning group, there were no significant differences in the number of positive samples between before and after cleaning and disinfection.

CONCLUSION

Manual cleaning and disinfection of gastroscopes with 3% glutaraldehyde is useful for decreasing the risk of transmission of HCV among patients.