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Based on observation, interview and review of manufacturer's recommendation, the facility failed to ensure staff followed infection control standards in the processing and storage of scopes.

Findings include:

On 12/14/11 at approximately 10:00 AM, a surgical technician (Employee #2) explained the procedure for processing the endoscopes and colonoscopes. Employee #2 reported the scopes were manually wiped with sponges and cleaned with a brush prior to the enzymatic soaking. Employee #2 indicated the brush was used for one shift and then thrown away at the end of the shift. Employee #2 reported the number of scopes used each day varied, but typically there were two or three procedures done each day.

Review of the brush used to clean the scopes revealed it was a dual ended cleaning brush. The package had a number 2 with a line through it and indicated the brush was for single use only.

On 12/14/11 at approximately 10:15 AM, the storage cabinet for the scopes was observed. It was noted there was one scope was hanging with the end dragging on the floor of the cabinet. There were four gallons of distilled water, two gallons of Cidex OPA, cartridge filters, sponges, and peel packs stored in the bottom of the cabinet. The floor of the cabinet was noted to be sticky and in need of cleaning.

The findings were discussed and confirmed by the surgery manager and the surgical technician.