ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Two percent glutaradehyde has been the reference disinfectant for high-level disinfection, but often requires long period of exposure up to 45 minutes. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of a new endoscope disinfectant that uses 0.2% peracetic acid, and to compare the culture-positive rate in each different endoscopes and washers used. MEHTODS: Three endoscopes and two washers that differed in purchase year were used. They were cleansed manually and disinfected with peracetic acid for 10 minutes. A total of 86 gastroduodenal endoscopic sessions were included in the study. RESULTS: Overall culture-positive rate was 37.2%, majority of which came from washings of biopsy channel. There was a significant difference in culture-positive rate according to the machine used. Culture positive rate was 11.4% in recently purchased endoscope and washer used. Of the 28 Helicobactor pylori positive cases, there was one Helicobactor pylori DNA PCR positive case, but no Helicobactor pylori was found. CONCLUSIONS: When new endoscope and washer is used, peracetic acid is effective as a disinfectant. Significant difference in culture rate according to the different machine used might come from the aging effect and difference of cleansing power of the washer.