Endoscope reprocessing
Transforming endoscope reprocessing: a new model
Could on-demand services play a pivotal role in future-proofing endoscopy workflows? A new model for loan endoscopes has been launched in Australia and has the potential to be rolled out across the globe, in the near future. This article looks at how the initiative aims to maintain high infection control standards, while reducing operational burdens.
Ensuring a continuous supply of gastrointestinal endoscopes remains a challenge for hospitals worldwide. While reusable flexible endoscopes remain the standard, traditional reprocessing is time-consuming and resource-intensive, presenting operational, regulatory, and environmental challenges. In Australia, the relevant national standard,
AS5369:2023 mandates microbiological testing of loan endoscopes from suppliers within 72 hours of receipt. Although single-use endoscopes eliminate reprocessing concerns, they contribute to significant financial and environmental burden due to excessive plastic
Challenge
Compliance, Infection
Prevention & Control
Workforce & Training
Constraints Resource &
Environmental Pressures
Description
AS5369:2023 mandates microbiological testing within 72 hours, requiring specialised staff and infrastructure. Non-compliance can lead to delays, infection risks, and regulatory concerns. European
MDR/IVDR regulations mandate sterility assurance but lack standardised microbiological protocols.
Endoscope reprocessing is labour-intensive and highly specialised. Staff shortages, especially in regional hospitals, result in backlogs and
delays. High turnover increases the risk of improper reprocessing and hospital-acquired infections.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy generates significant medical waste, with each procedure producing 2.1 kg, including 1.5 kg of plastic waste
from disposable accessories and PPE. The shift toward single-use equipment has significantly increased environmental impact. Single-use gastroscopes, weighing approximately 554 grams, would further exacerbate this issue.
Equipment Availability & Service Disruptions
Water shortages or water quality issues can halt operations, while unexpected equipment failures may lead to cancellations and disrupted patient care.
Table 1: Challenges in endoscope reprocessing 70
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I April 2025
Delays in reprocessing and microbiological testing impact procedural scheduling.
and associated waste. To address these challenges, a first-of-its-kind, pre-sterilised, microbiologically tested loan endoscope service provides an innovative alternative to traditional fleet management. This article examines the challenges of current endoscope reprocessing methods, the operational benefits of on-demand sterile endoscope services, and how this model supports infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and sustainability.
Challenges in endoscope reprocessing There are various challenges in endoscope
reprocessing that need to be addressed – from compliance and infection prevention issues, to training constraints, resource limitations, and equipment availability. These are outlined in Table 1.
On-Demand: a new model for loan endoscopes Launched in Australia in 2024, this service is the first sterilised loan endoscope service designed to streamline hospital operations, enhance infection control and eliminate urgent reprocessing and microbiological testing. By offering a flexible, scalable solution, the On- Demand service enables hospitals to supplement existing endoscope fleets, or secure a reliable backup during equipment downtime. This is particularly beneficial for regional and remote hospitals, ensuring high-quality care regardless of location, while optimising operational efficiency and potentially reducing costs. In addition to enhancing workflow efficiency and compliance, the service supports sustainability through its centralised, advanced sterilisation process. Utilising a high-efficiency ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilisation system, the service minimises emissions, while maintaining high safety and regulatory standards. By reducing EtO emissions and implementing
advanced abatement systems, the On-Demand service helps hospitals lower their own environmental footprint without compromising
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