Using vaporized hydrogen peroxide for anhydrous disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes

Figure 1 Schematic and photos of the vaporized hydrogen peroxide generation device. A: The perspective view of the experimental device; B: The actual view of the experimental device; C: Reaction vessel; D: Temperature control panel; E: Ultrasonic control panel; F: Flow meter. ¹Gas nozzle; ²Flow meter; ³Reaction vessel; ⁴Ultrasonic generator; ⁵Temperature control panel; ⁶Heating plate; ⁷Vibration plate; ⁸Ultrasonic control panel.

Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the gastrointestinal endoscopy model. BC: Bacterial carrier; VHP: Vaporized hydrogen peroxide.

Figure 3 Study design and procedures of the reprocessable endoscope disinfection test. VHP: Vaporized hydrogen peroxide; AER: Automated endoscope reprocessor.

Figure 4 Log reductions of spores on bacterial carriers in the testing devices treated with various relative humidities (60%-90%), exposure dosage (24-45 mg/L/hour), relative humidities (0. 8-2.2 L/minute), and organic burdens. A and B: Log reductions of spores by vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) under various relative humidities (RHs) (60%-90%); C and D: Log reductions of spores by VHP under various exposure dosage (24-45 mg/L/hour); E and F: Log reductions of spores by VHP under various FRs (0.8-2.2 L/minute); G and H: Log reductions of spores by VHP under various organic burdens. ^aP < 0.05; ^bP < 0.01; ^cP < 0.001; NS: Not significant; BC: Bacterial carrier; BSA: Bovine serum albumin.

Figure 5 Application scenarios of the experimental device. A: The endoscope's Suction valve, water valve and air valve are connected to the disinfection device; B: The endoscope's biopsy valve is connected to the disinfection device; C: The endoscope to be disinfected is placed on the tray of the disinfection device; D: The endoscope is undergoing anhydrous disinfection.

Figure 6 Comparative forest plot of colony detection at various positions of the endoscope after infection. VHP: Vaporized hydrogen peroxide; AER: Automated endoscope reprocessor.