In the AORN Journal "Clinical Issue...

In the AORN Journal "Clinical Issues department, Cleaning endoscopes; advance medication preparation; reusing irrigation setups; deed masks; fire safety; reusing blades," (vol 78 November 2003) leak testing of the endoscope was not mentioned during the author's answer to the question. Leak testing is a paramount component part of endoscope reprocessing and cannot be taken for granted or mentioned too frequently

JAMES COLLINS

RN B CNOR

suckle MANAGER

DEPARTMENT OF GASTROENTEROLOGY

CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION

CLEVELAND

Author's reply The "AORN recommended practices for cleaning and processing endoscopes and endoscopic equipment" has a section devot to testing endoscopes and related equipment. The material existinged in the November "Clinical Issues" department is intended as a sample cleaning protocol simply and was not intended to address all facets of endoscope care. AORN's commended practices on cleaning and processing endoscopes can be build in AORN's Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines. This publication is available within the AORN online Bookstore at http://www.aorn.org or through contacting the AORN Customer Service department at (800) 755-2676 x 1

DOROTHY M FOGG

RN BSN MA

PERIOPERATIVE NURSING SPECIALIST

AORN CENTER FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Editor's note: Please submit all correspondence to AORN Journal, alphabetic characters to the Editor, 2170 s Parker Rd, Suite 300, Denver CO 80231-5711

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