title: [Cost comparison of two reprocessing procedures of flexible ureteroscopes at the University Hospital of Dijon].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The University Hospital of Dijon has selected sterilization for some of its flexible endoscopes. The decision came as part of an acquisition of a low-temperature sterilizer. The objective is to compare the actual cost of reprocessing a heat-sensitive ureteroscope by sterilization to a high-level disinfection (HLD) in semi-automatic bench.
  
  
  METHODS
  From June 1 to December 31, 2013, the ureteroscope has been exclusively reprocessed by low-temperature sterilization (LTS). In parallel, the theorical number of peracetic acid disinfection that should have been made was simulated. An observational study of actual costs by micro-costing technique allowed us to determine the set of resources consumed by each of these strategies. Specific costs of sterilization were from the billing terms provided with the central sterile services department.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the 7 months of study, the ureteroscope was used and sterilized 11 times. Thirty-two chemical disinfection procedures would have been necessary. Comparing these two strategies, a cost difference is highlighted for the LTS with a real economy of 43.8% compared with HLD (1154.77 € versus 649.40 €).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All in all, this micro-economic study confirms and strengthens our previous decision for selecting LTS for heat-sensitive ureteroscopes. On top of better micro-economic outcomes, it also provides benefits in theoretical risk analysis of transmission of infection.
authors.affiliation: Unité de gestion des risques en endoscopie, CHU de Dijon, 21000 Dijon, France. Electronic address: elisabeth.muggeo@chu-dijon.fr.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Muggeo
authors.affiliation: Pharmacie, CHU de Dijon, 21000 Dijon, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boissel
authors.affiliation: Pharmacie, CHU de Dijon, 21000 Dijon, France.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.affiliation: Pôle des vigilances, CHU de Dijon, 21000 Dijon, France.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sgro
authors.affiliation: Service d'hépato-gastro-entérologie, CHU de Dijon, 21000 Dijon, France.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Michiels
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004203:Disinfection; D004867:Equipment Design; D017743:Equipment Reuse / Q000191:economics; D005602:France; D006785:Hospitals, University; D013242:Sterilization / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D020709:Ureteroscopes / Q000191:economics*
keywords: Costs; Coûts; Disinfection; Désinfection; Flexible ureteroscopes; Sterilization; Stérilisation; Urétéroscopes souples