Bioelectric enhanced disinfection - A novel method to improve reprocessing of endoscopic accessories

High level disinfection is required for reprocessing of endoscopes and accessories. The standard FDA recommendation is immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde for 45 minutes. However, this is time consuming. Glutaraldehyde may cause skin irritation and allergy amongst health care workers. Residual glutaraldehyde on inadequately rinsed instruments have resulted in chemical irritation of the colon. Resistant strains of bacteria against glutaraldehyde have also been reported. The use of disposable accessories may not be cost effective. This study investigates whether the additional use of bioelectric can: (a) decrease the concentration of disinfectant solution (b) shorten the time for disinfection. METHODS: A prototype bioelectric disinfection chamber was used. E. coli was inoculated on standard plastic surfaces. Bacterial count (CPU/ml) pre and post disinfection were monitored at different voltages, concentration of glutaraldehyde and time of immersion. RESULTS: immersion time (min) gluta conc (%) voltage (volt) CPU/ml 45 (control) 0 0 2.1×10⁸ 45 0.005 0 7.5 × 10⁵ 45 0 25 8.2 × 10⁵ 45 0 50 1.6 × 10⁵ 45 0.005 25 3.5 × 10⁵ 45 0.005 50 6.0 × 10² IS (control) 0 0 6.9 × 10⁶ 15 0.05 0 1.8 × 10³ 15 0 25 1.25 × 10⁷ 15 0 50 2.85 × 10⁶ 15 0.05 25 0 CONCLUSIONS 1. Bioelectric enhances the disinfection effect of standard biocide. 2. A low voltage current in combination with a lower concentration of biocide allows effective disinfection over a shorter time. 3. It can potentially reduce health care costs. Further research is in progress to test its effect against bacterial spores and mycobacterium.