Handling Procedures

Best Practices During Procedures

• Never allow the insertion tube to hang unsupported over the edge of a trolley or table.
• Keep the angulation locks in the free position when not actively steering to reduce tension on control wires.
• Avoid forcing the scope through resistance — if insertion is difficult, reassess position rather than apply extra pressure.
• Ensure biopsy forceps and accessories are closed before passing through the instrument channel to prevent channel laceration.

Leak Testing — The Most Critical Step

Leak testing must be performed before every reprocessing cycle. Failure to do so is the single leading cause of water ingress damage, which is both expensive to repair and can render a scope permanently unserviceable.

• Always attach the water-resistant cap before connecting the leak tester or immersing the scope.
• Pressurise the scope fully and submerge it, checking the entire insertion tube, bending section, control body, and light-guide connector for bubbles.
• Pay particular attention to the bending rubber — this is the most common site of micro-cracks from flex fatigue.
• If bubbles are detected, remove the scope from water immediately, remove the leak tester, and contact your repair provider. Do not proceed with reprocessing.
• After testing, depressurise slowly before removing the water-resistant cap.

Transport & Storage

• Never stack endoscopes during transport — even brief contact between scopes can cause bending section damage.
• Use approved endoscope-specific carrying cases or transport trays with foam inserts.
• Hang scopes vertically in ventilated storage cabinets after reprocessing to prevent moisture pooling and microbial growth.
• Ensure light-guide cables are loosely coiled — tight coiling fractures the fibre-optic bundle over time, degrading image brightness.
• When transporting in a vehicle, secure the scope case so it cannot slide or tip. Vibration damage accumulates over repeated trips.

Cleaning Sequence

Correct pre-cleaning at the point of use is essential before formal reprocessing begins. Residual organic matter that dries inside channels is far more difficult to remove and can block high-level disinfectant from reaching all surfaces.

• Wipe the exterior of the insertion tube with a damp, lint-free cloth immediately after withdrawal.
• Suction enzymatic detergent solution through the suction/biopsy channel while still in the procedure room.
• Flush air and water channels to clear residual tissue and fluid.
• Place the scope in a covered container and transport directly to the reprocessing area — do not leave pre-cleaned scopes unattended.
• Follow your reprocessor manufacturer's validated cycle parameters — do not abbreviate cycles due to time pressure.

Common Causes of Scope Damage We See at Our Workshop

• Water ingress: Skipped or incorrectly performed leak tests allowing moisture inside the control body.
• Bending section tears: Repeated over-angulation beyond the scope's designed range, or biting damage in upper GI procedures.
• Channel damage: Forcing stiff accessories through the instrument channel, particularly when the scope is in a tight angulation.
• Light-guide fracture: Tight coiling or kinking of the umbilical section during storage or reprocessing.
• Connector corrosion: Not fitting the water-resistant cap before immersion, allowing water into the electrical connector.