Contamination of the medical equipment is largely a process of microbial colonization on the surfaces. The process of microbial colonization on the surfaces begins with the Biofilm formation. There are five stages in the biofilm formation: The cell migration form medium to the surface (1-2 hrs.), Reversible bacterial adhesion (2-3 hrs.), Irreversible bacterial adhesion, Microcolony formation and dispersion. The factors influencing the biofilm formation are largely the physio-chemical characteristics of the surface material, such as electrical charge, wettability, hydrophobicity, thermal deformation potential and nano-depressions (roughness). On all accounts the plastic and rubber surfaces are more prone to biofilm formation than the glass surfaces. Thereby, the desired material in the microbiological labs is the Borosilicate glass.

Considering this scientific observation, the disinfection of a flexible Nasopharyngoscope in plastic tubes is considered inadequate by the Public Health Authorities (PHA). We have chosen the Borosilicate glass for our HLD-Station to meet these PHA requirements.