title: Multi-society guideline for reprocessing flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes. Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: Douglas B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: William R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Jarvis
authors.forename: William A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Rutala
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Foxx-Orenstein
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Isenberg
authors.forename: Georgia R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Dash
authors.forename: Carla J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Alvarado
authors.forename: Marilee
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Griffin-Sobel
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: Kay A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.forename: Jerry
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: Rachel L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Stricof
mesh_terms: 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*