Failure to properly prepare the flexible endoscope prior to high level disinfection will result in ineffective processing and a threat to patient safety. The purpose of this faculty-directed activity is to present information on the critical importance of making sure flexible endoscopes are pretreated, leak tested, cleaned and undergo visualization of the scope components before high level disinfection. Evidence based research will be used to support strategies for using best practice when cleaning and preparing scopes for high level disinfection.

This faculty-directed education activity is intended primarily for RNs with a responsibility for or an interest in ensuring safe patient care in the endoscopy suite. The presentation will also be of interest to allied healthcare personnel and MDs involved in endoscopy.

Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Review current guidelines for pretreatment, contaminated transport, leak testing, manual and automated cleaning and visualization of flexible gastrointestinal, as well as other specialty flexible endoscopes used in the GI Suite.
2. Compare chemistries and accessories used for cleaning gastrointestinal and other flexible endoscopes before high level disinfection in the GI Suite.
3. Discuss GI Suite requirements for each of the first five steps in cleaning gastrointestinal and other flexible endoscopes.

Participants will complete the recorded webinar learning activity. They will view the presentation, then register to complete the evaluation and take the post-test on the website. They will submit the documentation as directed. A bibliographic reference is included for those wishing additional information.

Upon successful completion of the entire online program and submission of required documentation, participants will be granted 1 contact hour. No partial credit will be granted.

Successful completion: Participants must complete the entire program, register, achieve a score of 80% on the post-test and submit required documentation.

1. Conflict of interest: Planners disclose no conflict of interest. The speakers disclose salary or honorarium from the commercial support entity; they have signed a statement agreeing to present material fairly and without bias.
2. Commercial company support: Fees are underwritten by education funding provided by Cantel Medical.
3. Non-commercial company support: None.
4. Alternative/Complementary therapy: None.

Participants successfully completing the activity and submitting required documentation will be permitted to print a certificate of completion. Participants are advised to retain the certificate for eight years following activity completion.

Replacement of misplaced certificate is available from Educational Dimensions. There is a fee for this service. Request a replacement by contacting us.