1419. Evaluation of a vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization technology for duodenoscopes

BACKGROUND: Current methods for reprocessing duodenoscopes, including double high-level disinfection, are not effective in eliminating bacterial contamination. Thus, there is a need to develop effective and safe sterilization technologies for duodenoscopes. METHODS: We examined the effectiveness of a new hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer designed for terminal sterilization of flexible endoscopes. The technology directs vaporized hydrogen peroxide into all internal endoscope channels with a short exposure time and includes a sterilization container that facilitates sterile storage after processing. Test organisms included Bacillus atrophaeus and Clostridioides difficile spores, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, and Candida auris inoculated on steel wires or dispersed throughout the internal channels with 5% fetal calf serum. RESULTS: The technology reduced >10(8) colony-forming units (CFU) of the vegetative organisms to undetectable levels. B. atrophaeus and C. difficile spores on steel wires were eliminated by the technology ( >6 log(10) CFU reduction) and spores disperse throughout the channels were reduced by >5 log(10) CFU. No damage to the endoscopes was observed. CONCLUSION: The sterilization technology was highly effective in reducing contamination of duodenoscopes in laboratory testing. Our results support further investigation of this technology in reducing contamination of in-use endoscopes. DISCLOSURES: William Rutala, MS, MPH, PhD, Ideate Medical: Advisor/Consultant|Ideate Medical: Stocks/Bonds|Kinnos: Advisor/Consultant|Kinnos: Stocks/Bonds|PDI: Advisor/Consultant|PDI: Honoraria