Simethicone in Scopes Could Pose Infection Risk

BUBBLE TROUBLE An anti-foaming agent can remain on endoscopes even after reprocessing.

If you use infant gas relief drops to clear away the air bubbles and foam in the GI tract that can obstruct endoscopic visualization, you could be exposing your patients to infection. A study in theAmerican Journal of Infection Control found that injecting an infant formulation of simethicone into scopes’ working channels might trigger cross-contamination risks among endoscopy patients.

A team of Minnesota researchers found that simethicone residue can remain in the scope even after reprocessing, and may put patients at risk of infectious outbreaks.

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