The use of endoscopes in Otorhinolaryngology is synonymous with improved diagnosis and treatment. However, risk of micro-organisms transmission can be as high as 1-3:1000 patients if disinfection protocols are breached. The novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is also capable of human-to-human transmission. Here we introduce a portable endoscope sterilizing device to reduce the risk of patient-to-patient virus transmission during the pandemic COVID19 era. This device comprises of storage and sterilizing compartments in sets of three. Each compartment is separate and functions independently. The first step is to place the used endoscope in one of the three wet compartments. Next, the endoscope is transferred into one of the sterilization compartments filled with high-level disinfectant. Each sterilizing compartment is configured with an alarm set to the pre-determined soaking time for sterilization. An alert signal will notify the user on completion of the sterilization process. The final step is transferring the sterilized endoscope into one of the drying compartments integrated with built-in warmers. After each sterilization process, the acidity of the high-level disinfectant is tested with litmus paper to ensure efficacy. This innovative device provides the solution for proper sterilization of multiple rigid endoscopes in a busy clinic to avoid cross-infection and possible litigations.
