SARS-CoV-2 transmission via endoscopy in the COVID-19 era

We have read with interest the latest paper by Boskoski et al 1 on the virological status of reprocessed endoscopes used for critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proper reprocessing of endoscopes and accessories is essential to patient safety. Although existing data suggest that the risk of viral transmission via endoscopic equipment is extremely low (with virtually no reported cases of hepatitis B and C or HIV transmission following current disinfection guidelines2), the present COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on quality control as a guarantor of patient and healthcare worker safety. Boskoski et al report no evidence of viral contamination of endoscopes in critically ill patients …