Endoscope Manufacturers Enlisted in Effort to Improve Reprocessing

Manufacturers’ instructions for processing flexible endoscopes need to be accessible, clear and easy to understand to help avert processing errors that could endanger patients, the FDA says in a safety communication. The notice is in response to recent reports of improper endoscope processing that resulted in patients being exposed to body fluids and tissue contaminants from other patients. Reported errors include the use of the wrong accessories for endoscopy irrigation set-ups, improper reprocessing intervals for reusable endoscopy accessories, failure to discard single-use accessories and failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reprocessing the devices.
Devices & Diagnostics Letter