Dirty Re-used Colonoscopy equipment?

I heard that they re-use the colonoscopy equipment on many patients and that it's not always cleansed and sterilized properly. This is GROSS. What if the person prior to you had HIV? I'm sure this could be passed on to the next person or some kind of wicked infection?
Why doesn't each person get new equipment like they do when a colonic is done? I imagine it's the health care system in the US just tryin to save a buck, and to Hell with the patient's health.

that happened in a local hospital and a number of people were asked to get HIV and other medical tests; as far as I know, nobody was found to be HIV positive, thankfully. Yes, it is disgusting, and a violation of good hygienic procedures. And you can't just replace the colonoscope like you can an enema nozzle, unless the hospital has unlimited funding (which I suspect it does not - part of the hygiene problem)/

I agree with the previous poster - colonics should only be done when ordered by a doctor and under medical supervision. Otherwise, you know where you can shove it.....

oh that's just disgusting, but i wonder if it's really true. I mean these are doctors and they're supposed to be like the smartest people why would they do something so stupid when they know all the risks that are involved?

I have never heard of that, they would have to sterilize all the equipment. Doesn't sound like you got your information for a good source. Why would a clinic want a law suit on their hands? Just dose not make sense.

A colonoscopy and a colonic treatment are not the same thing at all. A colonoscopy is a real medical procedure done by a licensed medical doctor; it's a diagnostic procedure used to find out if there are any problems in your colon like polyps or cancer. Those instruments are cleaned and sterilized just as any others in any other hospital setting.

Colonic treatments can be given by any nutjob in a walk-in clinic, they stick this tube into you that is supposed to "clean" your system out. I would never have one done, because the people that do them are usually not even doctors. These are the cases you have likely heard of where there are sanitation issues, because I have heard of them in colonics "clinics" as well.

Also, most real doctors do not endorse colonics because they say the colon is the mechanism through which your body cleanses itself and it should not need any help if you eat a proper diet.

My guess is that a flexible colonoscope costs between $7000 and $10,000, maybe more. So you see that it is not exactly a disposable item.

But you are absolutely correct when you imply that meticulous cleansing and sterilization must occur. I know a person who got C. difficile after such a procedure.

Hospitals and out-patient facilities certified by JCAHO must follow rigorous procedures to ensure hygenic standards. Unfortunately you come upon a lazy employee or lax supervisor now and then.

You heard wrong. In a hospital, where a colonoscopy is performed, the flexible tube is indeed sterilized. However as with anything concerning the human animal, on occasion ---- and it is extremely rare, all bacteria are not killed---even happens with surgical instruments. bacteria are clever little organisms whose job it is is to survive, but it is rare, so, flush that one out of your mind. As well, ask any gasterinterologist about a colonic.... pretty worthless, and temporary. Better that your diet include fiber --- oatmeal, veggies, fruits and other fiber--- so that your elimination is natural, than to go to one of those places. About the only time any one needs one of those is when one has a stoppage and is ordered by a physicial, or in general care of aged patients who, because of the medicine that they take, they are constantly constipated. No gasterinterologist worth anything would routinely suggest a colonic,..... sorry. See Dr. Oz on Oprah. And read any book you wish on the subject written by any MD who has no financial interest in one of those places. They are just another way to separate scared individuals, and the ignorant from their $$$.

A colonoscope is an expensive piece of equipment.
http://www.olympusamerica.com/msg_sectio...

You think medicine is expensive now? Do you want to pay an extra $10,000 for a colonoscopy? Didn't think so.

The scopes are sterilized between patients according to strict protocols. There is a small chance that something could be passed on if the scope isn't sterilized properly, just like there is a chance that you could get an infection if surgical instruments are not sterilized correctly.

Colonics are a way for rich people to flush money away - literally. No other benefit. Colonoscopies save lives.