@TAB This is from Dr. Mercola re colonoscopy. Just make sure they use proper cleaning agents otherwise theres a risk of cross contamination and infection with colonoscopies. I have been approached to have a colonoscopy but feel its unnecessary.
About 20% of flexible endoscopes in the U.S. are cleaned with peracetic acid between patients rather than Cidex. Peracetic acid (which is similar to vinegar) is used in organic chemistry labs to dissolve proteins, and it does a far better job than glutaraldehyde.
So, if for whatever reason you are compelled to get a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, then it is IMPERATIVE that you contact the office before the procedure to make sure they are properly decontaminating the scope using peracetic acid.
The reason most clinics use Cidex is because it's cheaper. Even pennies per procedure add up when you're doing them by the thousands each year, and hospitals are under pressure to save money wherever they can. However, when your health and life are at stake, saving pennies becomes inconsequential, and you'd be wise to forgo any hospital that still uses Cidex to clean their equipment.
How will you know how any given facility cleans their scopes? You have to ask. If you're having a colonoscopy or any other procedure using a flexible endoscope done, be sure to ask:
How is the endoscope cleaned between patients?
Specifically, which cleaning agent is used?
How many of your colonoscopy patients have had to be hospitalized due to infections?
If the hospital or clinic uses peracetic acid, your likelihood of contracting an infection from a previous patient is slim. If the answer is glutaraldehyde, or the brand name Cidex, cancel your appointment and go elsewhere. As for the third and last question, the answer you want is zero.
