Endoscope Storage and Drying Cabinets: The Unseen Hero of Patient Safety and Hygiene
Endoscopy is an indispensable part of diagnosis and treatment processes in modern hospitals and surgical units. However, cleaning, drying and storage processes after use are as critical for patient safety as the medical success of endoscopes.
At this point, endoscope storage and drying cabinets are not only a piece of equipment but also a safety barrier that plays a vital role in infection control. Especially since flexible endoscopes are not heat-resistant, appropriate drying and storage conditions after high-level disinfection instead of sterilisation have become mandatory.
Why should endoscopes be dried and stored in special cabinets?
No matter how well the surface of an endoscope is cleaned, if there is residual moisture in its internal channels, this is a favourable environment for the growth of microorganisms. Moist environments are a major cause of microbial recontamination. See also:
- Endoscopes that are not dried predispose to biofilm formation.
- Endoscopes stored under unsuitable conditions may become reinfected during the waiting period.
- Unfavourable air quality can quickly destroy the hygiene gained after disinfection.
The only way to eliminate these risks is to use special cabinets that provide controlled drying and storage in accordance with international standards such as TS EN 16442.
Detro Storage: A New Level of Endoscope Hygiene
The Detro Storage Flexible Endoscope Drying and Storage Cabinet developed by Detro Healthcare responds to this vital need with high technology. The product not only stores endoscopes but also makes them ready for reuse in a safe, hygienic and fully controlled environment.
Highlights of Detro Storage
- 12 Endoscope Capacity: Endoscopes are hung vertically, thus saving space and preventing fluid accumulation.
- Automatic Rotary Hanger System: Homogenous drying is provided with separate air outlet to each endoscope.
- 7″ Touch LCD Screen: Users can instantly monitor parameters such as cabin temperature and humidity, select the desired endoscope and bring it forward automatically.
- Advanced Security: User entries are protected by an encrypted system; the cabin is opened only after the authorised person scans the barcode.
- Hepa Filter and UV-C Lamp: Air quality inside the cabin is kept sterile at all times. UV-C rays with 254 nm wavelength minimise the risk of recontamination.
- Programmable Modes: Thanks to 5+1 different programmes, the user can adjust the drying and storage time according to different clinical needs.
- Registration with Thermal Printer: Output can be taken at the end of each process; traceability is ensured and quality processes are supported.
What Should Be Considered? 5 Critical Criteria When Choosing a Storage and Drying Cabinet
- Compliance with International Standards: EN 16442 standard defines the safe storage conditions of endoscopes. The cabinet you choose must comply with this standard.
- Individual Channel Drying: The internal channels of the endoscopes must be dried individually. Equal air distribution to all channels with a central air system is important.
- Hygiene Support Systems: Equipment such as HEPA filter, UV light eliminates invisible risks.
- User Safety: The UV-C radiation of the cabin should be isolated so as not to harm the user. In addition, systems that prevent unauthorised access should be preferred.
- Digital Traceability: Devices that can be integrated into hospital information systems and provide transaction records in written form provide advantages in terms of medical quality management.
Drying and Storage Process Cannot Be Neglected
Endoscopes offer an economic advantage to healthcare organisations due to their reusability. However, this advantage is only sustainable with the correct cleaning, drying and storage procedures.
Disinfection and storage of flexible endoscopes used especially in departments such as gastroenterology, bronchoscopy, urology and ear-nose-throat is indispensable for infection control and patient safety.
Hygienic Storage Means Safe Use
Keeping endoscopes ready for use, safe and infection-free is not only possible with disinfection, but also with controlled drying and correct storage processes. Detro Storage is a high-tech solution that facilitates, records and carries out these processes in accordance with international standards.
Your endoscopes are as valuable as you are. Keep them in a safe environment and use them with peace of mind for the next patient.
For more information about Detro Storage and technical specifications click here
Frequently Asked Questions – Detro Storage Endoscope Drying and Storage Cabinet
What is Detro Storage and what is it used for?
Detro Storage is a drying and storage cabinet specially designed for optimum drying and storage of flexible endoscopes in hygienic conditions after disinfection. It works in accordance with TS EN 16442 standard and ensures that endoscopes remain ready for reuse.
How many endoscopes can be stored in the cabinet?
Detro Storage has two different capacities according to the needs:
- 6 endoscope capacity model
- 12 endoscope capacity model
All endoscopes are hung vertically, dried and stored.
How is the drying process carried out?
Homogeneous and effective drying is ensured by the drying air connection specific to each endoscope and the automatic rotary hanger system. The air sent into the cabinet is purified by HEPA H14 filter and the risk of microbial contamination is reduced by UV-C lamp.
How does the user interface work?
Detro Storage offers the user easy and intuitive control thanks to its 7-inch touchscreen LCD display. The user can control the screen:
- Can see which slot the endoscope is in
- Can select the desired endoscope and have it come to the front automatically
- Monitor temperature and relative humidity inside the cabin
How is security and access control ensured?
- To prevent unauthorised access, the cabin door is only opened when the user barcode is scanned.
- There is an encryption system against unauthorised access to the programmes.
- User-based transaction tracking is provided and all transactions are logged.
Can drying and storage processes be documented?
Description. Detro Storage allows you to receive reports on the drying and storage process of endoscopes thanks to its built-in thermal printer. It can also transfer process information to hospital information systems with remote connection feature.
Does UV-C light harm the user?
No, no. The UV-C lamp is located in a special air circulation duct that the user will not be exposed to. It is designed in accordance with safety standards.
In which areas can Detro Storage be used?
Detro Storage, to fulfil the needs for safe drying and storage after disinfection of heat-resistant flexible endoscopes;
- In endoscopy units of hospitals
- In private health institutions
- Surgical centres
widely used.
What does the HEPA filter do and how often is it changed?
The HEPA filter provides a hygienic drying environment by retaining particles in the air entering the cabin. The replacement time of the filter depends on the intensity of use, but it is generally recommended to check it every 6 months and replace it when necessary.
How to illuminate the inside of the cabinet?
Detro Storage has an LED lighting system that is activated when the door is opened. In this way, the user can easily see inside the cabinet.
