Optimization of rigid endoscope drying method based on negative pressure suction device: Evaluation of its impact on drying efficiency and occupational safety

Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was employed. Four types of rigid endoscopes were selected: fiber optic instruments, lens instruments, forceps instruments, and tubular instruments, with 100 samples from each category. The samples were assigned to a control group (traditional drying method) and an experimental group (negative pressure suction device). The experimental group used a negative pressure suction device combined with a drying cabinet for drying, while the control group employed wiping, a high-pressure air gun, and a drying cabinet. Drying time for each type of instrument was measured, and noise levels during the drying process were assessed using a noise meter. The data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests for intergroup comparisons, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: The experimental group showed significantly shorter drying times for fiber optic instruments, lens instruments, and forceps instruments compared to the control group. The drying time for fiber optic instruments in the experimental group was 316.9 ± 1.97 s, significantly shorter than the control group’s 326.53 ± 4.43 s (t = 6.28, P < 0.001). The drying time for lens instruments in the experimental group was 315.07 ± 1.80 s, compared to 320.54 ± 4.21 s in the control group (t = 3.78, P < 0.001). However, for tubular instruments, the experimental group’s drying time was 660 s, markedly longer than the control group’s 327.04 ± 4.99 s (t = 211.09, P < 0.001). In terms of noise levels, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower noise exposure for fiber optic and lens instruments compared to the control group. The average noise for fiber optic instruments was 45.79 ± 0.17 dB in the experimental group, while it was 63.73 ± 0.67 dB in the control group (t = 82.55, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The negative pressure suction device significantly improves the drying efficiency of rigid endoscopes, especially for instruments with simpler structures, and effectively reduces noise exposure, enhancing occupational safety. However, for complex tubular instruments, further optimization of the negative pressure suction device is required.