Endoscopists Are Commonly Exposed to Bacteria During Endoscopy

Cultures of face shields after endoscopy showed a 46% exposure rate to potentially infectious bacteria.

Current recommendations for endoscopists include the use of face shields to reduce the potential for exposure to infectious pathogens. However, data showing the risks and benefits of wearing protective shields are lacking, and the shields can be uncomfortable. Thus, currently many endoscopists do not routinely wear protective face shields during procedures.

In a carefully designed study, the rate of bacterial colonization of face shields worn by four endoscopists after 239 endoscopy morning sessions (1100 procedures) was compared with face shields located 6 feet away from the patient and with pre-session control shields. Each face shield was systematically swabbed, and the results were reported as no growth or by the presence and number of c…

Reviewing Author

John R. Saltzman, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardIterative Scopes

Editorial BoardsGastrointestinal Endoscopy; UpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology (Trustee)

OtherVice President of Medical Affairs, 1Globe Health Institute