Endoscope Washer-Disinfector

Overview

An endoscope washer-disinfector is a single automated machine that takes a used flexible or rigid surgical scope, threads it into a multi-lumen channel connector, and then washes, disinfects, and dries it without human intervention. The entire process happens inside a sealed stainless steel Wash Chamber Assembly in a single uninterrupted cycle, typically 25–35 minutes. High-level disinfection is achieved through the combination of mechanical action (fluid jets), thermal energy, and chemical disinfectant, eliminating the need for post-procedure manual scrubbing, which is both labor-intensive and highly variable in quality. Hospitals and surgical centers rely on these machines to process dozens of scopes a day and maintain inventory turnover.

The Endoscope Basket holds up to six scopes vertically while the Wash Pump & Flow System circulates hot detergent and disinfectant solution. The Chemical Dosing System system injects precise volumes of active reagent at the right time in the cycle. After chemical contact time, the Waste Drainage System automatically empties spent solution. Then the Heated Air Drying System pulls warm, filtered air through every channel to remove all moisture. A Control & Display Panel with programmable cycles lets operators select wash protocols by scope type, and automated logs track every reprocessing event for regulatory compliance.

How it works

When a scope is inserted into a Channel Connector Port, its internal channels are isolated and separate from the external wash environment. The Peristaltic Pump begins pumping a gentle enzymatic detergent through all internal lumens at 0.5–2 L/min, gentle enough not to damage delicate optics or sensors, but vigorous enough to break up organic soil. Simultaneously, the Circulation Pump sprays hot detergent over the exterior of the scope.

After 2–3 minutes of enzymatic wash, the Flow Distribution Manifold switches all pump outputs to rinse water. The system cycles rinse water multiple times, water is drained and fresh water pulled in, to remove all traces of detergent. Then the Chemical Dosing System system injects a measured dose of high-level disinfectant (typically peracetic acid, aldehyde, or phenolic compound) into both the external wash chamber and the channel connectors. The scope soaks in disinfectant for 10–15 minutes while the Solenoid Diverter Valve periodically circulates fluid to ensure contact.

When contact time is complete, Safety Interlock System verify that pressure is safe, then Waste Drainage System pumps all spent solution to a waste container. A final automated rinse with sterile water removes residual disinfectant. The Heated Air Drying System then activates: the Electric Heating Element warms incoming room air to 50–70 °C, the HEPA/Particulate Filter filters it through HEPA media, and the Drying Air Blower draws it through every channel for 5–10 minutes. Moisture sensors in the chamber detect when humidity drops below 30%, signaling that drying is complete. The operator removes the scope from the connectors, inspects it, and either returns it to the sterile shelf or stores it in a drying cabinet until use.

All Solenoid Diverter Valve and pump actions are orchestrated by the Control & Display Panel, which runs one of several pre-programmed cycles. A medical facility can select different disinfectants and contact times for different scope materials (flexible gastroscope vs. rigid arthroscope vs. video colonoscope all require slightly different protocols). At the end of each cycle, the machine prints or logs a reprocessing label with timestamp, chemical lot number, and operator ID, essential for traceability in case of patient complaint or recall.