What must be done with reusable brushes after each use?

After each use, reusable brushes must be disinfected to ensure they do not harbor pathogens or contaminants that could compromise the cleaning and disinfection processes of endoscopes. Disinfection is a critical step in infection control, especially in healthcare settings where tools come into contact with sterile environments or directly with patients.

Proper disinfection minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and infection, making it an essential practice for maintaining safety and efficacy in medical procedures. While storing brushes in a dry area, air drying, and checking for wear and tear are also important considerations in the overall maintenance of medical instruments, they do not directly address the immediate need for disinfection after use. Disinfection takes precedence to ensure that all tools used in processing flexible endoscopes are free from pathogenic organisms before their next use.