Multi-society guideline for reprocessing flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes. Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the care of patients with gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary disorders. Compliance with accepted guidelines for the reprocessing of gastrointestinal endoscopes between patients is critical to the safety and success of their use. When these guidelines are followed, pathogen transmission can be effectively prevented. Increased efforts and resources should be directed to improve compliance with these guidelines. Further research in the area of gastrointestinal endoscope reprocessing should be encouraged. The organizations that endorsed this guideline are committed to assisting the FDA and manufacturers in addressing critical infection control issues in gastrointestinal device reprocessing.
Nelson
Douglas B
DB
Jarvis
William R
WR
Rutala
William A
WA
Foxx-Orenstein
Amy E
AE
Isenberg
Gerald
G
Dash
Georgia R
GR
Alvarado
Carla J
CJ
Ball
Marilee
M
Griffin-Sobel
Joyce
J
Petersen
Carol
C
Ball
Kay A
KA
Henderson
Jerry
J
Stricof
Rachel L
RL
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal / Q000382:microbiology / Q000592:standards*; D017743:Equipment Reuse / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*