$Unique_ID{BRK01625}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests, Infections or Parasites}
$Title{Can One Be Exposed to Possible Infection During Colonoscopy?}
$Subject{endoscopy infection transmission}
$Volume{P-12, A-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can One Be Exposed to Possible Infection During Colonoscopy?


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QUESTION:  After a recent examination of my colon with that scope, I found
myself wondering if I had been exposed to a possible infection from other
people who had been examined with the same instrument, perhaps even the AIDS
virus.  Is this possible?  I believe he uses hot soapy water and alcohol to
disinfect the scope.  Could you explain what procedures doctors use to clean
their "tools"?

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ANSWER:  While anything is possible, it is not at all likely that this could
happen.  Although we have no means of destroying the AIDS virus once it has
established itself in the body, the materials which can be used to disinfect
the flexible instruments used to examine our colons and intestines are so
powerful that we can be assured that all viruses and bacteria are destroyed.
Soap and water are powerful disinfectants as is alcohol (especially in high
concentration), but better still are other liquids (they're called germicidal
solutions because they kill germs) which can be used to render the examining
instruments sterile.  Disease transmission from one patient to another can be
totally eliminated when the instruments are cleaned routinely after each usage
with antiseptic solutions or the proper concentration and when soaked for the
recommended length of time.  It's too bad we can't kill all germs, bacteria
and viruses as easily in the body, but these powerful chemicals are much too
strong to be used inside our bodies.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
