Optimizing duodenoscope reprocessing: rigorous assessment of a culture and quarantine protocol

Withdrawal of duodenoscopes with a high rate of culture positivity and optimizing manual cleaning practices have contributed to an overall decline in the high-level disinfection defect rate. A stringent culture and quarantine protocol allowed identification of the culprit endoscopes. There remains a much-needed role for an inexpensive and highly reliable method to check on the adequacy of reprocessing given the inherent complexity of these tasks.