title: Automatic flexible endoscope reprocessors.
abstract: Reprocessing medical instruments is a complex and controversial discipline. If all instruments were constructed of materials not damaged by heat, pressure, and moisture, instrument reprocessing would be greatly simplified. As the number of novel and complex instruments entering the market continues to increase, periodic review of the health care facility's instrument reprocessing protocols to ensure their safety and effectiveness is important. This article reviews the advantages and the limitations of automatic flexible endoscope reprocessors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Research and Development, Custom Ultrasonics, Inc., Ivyland, PA 18974, USA.
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Muscarella
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation; D004203:Disinfection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004867:Equipment Design; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity