What is the risk of using tap water for rinsing after disinfection?

Using tap water for rinsing after disinfection poses a significant risk of contamination due to the potential presence of microorganisms. Tap water can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens that may not be fully eliminated during the disinfection process. If an endoscope is rinsed with tap water, these microorganisms can reintroduce contamination to the device, compromising its aseptic condition and increasing the risk of infections to patients upon reuse.

In an ideal cleaning and disinfection protocol, rinsing should be performed with sterile or filtered water, as these options significantly reduce the risk of recontamination. This helps ensure that the endoscope remains safe for subsequent procedures, maintaining high standards of infection control in healthcare settings.