Endoscope Disinfection with Acid Electrolyzed Water

: Reports of endoscope-mediated infectious diseases have been increasing. In order to investigate the usefulness of acid electrolyzed water for endoscope disinfection, a test endoscope was disinfected with acid electrolyzed water, and bacteria were examined before and after disinfection. The rates of detection of general bacteria on the surface of the endoscope were 100% (33/33 cases) immediately after its removal, 73% (24/33 cases) after washing the endoscope, and 0% (0/33 cases) after disinfection with acid electrolyzed water. The rates of detection for the forceps channel were 100% (33/33 cases) immediately after endoscope removal, 100% (33/33 cases) after washing, and 0% (0/33 cases) after disinfection with acid electrolyzed water. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was detected at the tip of the endoscope in 3 of the 33 cases immediately after the endoscope was removed. The bacteria were observed in 3 cases after washing as well, but disappeared after disinfection with acid electrolyzed water. The bactericidal effect of acid electrolyzed water on H. pylori was also investigated by culturing a condensed solution of a standard strain of H. pylori with acid electrolyzed water. Growth was inhibited within 30 seconds after the addition of acid electrolyzed water. Endoscope disinfection with acid electrolyzed water should be considered useful.