Which sterilization method is appropriate for disinfecting a flexible endoscope used on a patient with tuberculosis?

The appropriate sterilization method for disinfecting a flexible endoscope used on a patient with tuberculosis is the gas plasma sterilization method, often referred to in practice as "STERRAD" or "STERIS." This method employs low-temperature gas plasma technology and is especially effective for heat-sensitive medical devices, such as flexible endoscopes.

Gas plasma sterilization utilizes hydrogen peroxide vapor and produces a reactive gas that effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and spores, including those responsible for tuberculosis. This method ensures that the endoscope is thoroughly disinfected while preserving its delicate instruments and materials, which could be damaged by other sterilization methods like steam.

The other options listed, while they may have their uses in different contexts, do not align as well with the requirements for disinfecting a flexible endoscope, especially one that must be sterilized after exposure to tuberculosis. For instance, steam sterilization is not suitable for heat-sensitive instruments due to the high temperatures involved. Enzymatic cleaners are used for initial cleaning but are not a sterilization method, and bleach, while it can disinfect surfaces, is not appropriate for sensitive medical equipment like endoscopes due to potential damaging effects.