“Superbugs” Related to Medical Instruments at Mercy

Yes, you are absolutely safe at Mercy. Mercy uses several different types of scopes for various procedures. We’re confident in our cleaning and disinfection processes; we review them regularly and take sanitation very seriously to ensure there is no spread of bacteria through the use of our equipment.  

The type of scope that has been in the news most recently is used at Mercy. In the 25 years since we began using this equipment, we have not had any cases of infection linked to the use of these scopes.

The Food and Drug Administration has recently heightened warnings to doctors and hospitals that some commonly used medical scopes can be difficult to sanitize between uses and “may facilitate the spread of deadly bacteria.” This happened after patients were found to have been infected by a drug-resistant “superbug” at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center. Similar incidences have occurred at a handful of other hospitals in the U.S.

It is a certain type of scope among many scopes used in hundreds of thousands of procedures each year in the United States to aid in imaging within the body. Doctors consider them an important tool in detecting and treating medical problems early and in a minimally invasive way.

Yes, we have for many years and we do so safely by ensuring rigorous processes and oversight for sterilizing our equipment.

We have worked with the equipment vendor to review our disinfection processes. They have reinforced that Mercy’s protocols have been successful and the hospital is adhering to strict manufacturer guidelines. Mercy’s own Infection Control department conducts regular inspections and reviews as well.