Can Thorough Cleaning of Endoscopes Prevent Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Infection?
Endoscopy is a method of examining the inside of a patient’s digestive tract. It involves inserting a flexible, illuminated tube (an endoscope) through the mouth or anus, allowing the doctor to examine, biopsy, and sometimes treat diseases of the digestive tract. Endoscopy often produces a small amount of bleeding, particularly if biopsies are performed. Hepatitis C is a common, serious, and persistent viral infection of the liver. The virus is carried in the bloodstream and can be transmitted to another person by contact with the infected blood. For this and other reasons, endoscopes must be thoroughly cleaned between uses in order to prevent transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from one patient to another. There are standard, well-accepted procedures for performing this cleaning process. Even so, many doctors worry that contact with an endoscope that has previously been used on an HCV-infected patient may pose a significant risk.
