Tips on Proper Endoscope Handling.

Here's what you can do to help prevent damage in your equipment. 

These tips will give you ways to minimize repair frequency and costs.

Leakage Testing

Performing a rigorous leak test-both dry and wet- before completing scope reprocessing is one of the most important ways you can protect your endoscope from being damaged.
(You can refer to our previous post here to learn more
 about Leakage Testing) 

Handling and Transport

Your endoscope's lenses, cover glasses, and the distal end can be damaged if subjected to a significant shock. Likewise, control bodies and insertion tubes can be damaged from impact or excess pressure being placed on them. 

Careful handling and transport will reduce the risk of damage. 

If endoscopes are transported by hand, the distal end should be held in one hand to prevent the possibility of accidental impact. Also, endoscopes should be placed with their knobs up and never stacked. 

When it's necessary to ship a PENTAX Medical Endoscope, the original case should be used. 

Examination Room Layout

Optimizing the arrangement of the examination room can help avoid damage. In particular, buckling of the insertion tube and umbilical cable can be avoided with a carefully considered arrangement of the examination table, monitor, light source/processor and proper coiling of the scope. 

Storage

The endoscopes should be stored fully extended either freely hung up or laid down in a cabinet designed to hold flexible endoscopes. This prevents deformation or kinking damage and also allows the scope to drain.
(Check out the storage selection on our online store to see which one is the right fit for you!)

Accessories

Forceps, brushes, adapter, water bottles, o-rings, and all valves should be regularly examined for imperfections. Damaged equipment may scratch or perforate the endoscope's channels/ports.

Lubricants

Lubricants containing paraffin or Vaseline are unsuitable for PENTAX endoscopes. Lubricants of this type attack the surfaces of the tubing or the bending rubber. You can avoid deposits by carefully removing lubricant residues prior to disinfection or cleaning. 

If you have any questions about these tips, 

or want to know more, 

contact us!