Endoscope reprocessing is one of the most critical infection prevention processes in any clinical setting. Unlike most reusable medical devices, flexible endoscopes cannot be steam-sterilized making a precise, multi-step reprocessing protocol the only line of defense between contaminated instruments and patient safety.
This guide covers a wide range of important foundational definitions and regulatory frameworks, step-by-step reprocessing workflows, department design, accessory selection, training standards, and the most common mistakes made in endoscope reprocessing.
Objectives:
Upon learning the material in this Guide, learners will be able to:
- Learn the ‘why’ behind proper, effective endoscope reprocessing, and how reprocessing professionals uphold effective patient care standards.
- Apply the Spaulding Classification system to correctly categorize endoscopes and their accessories and identify the minimum reprocessing level required for each.
- Describe the correct sequence of all nine reprocessing steps — from point-of-use treatment through storage — and explain why order matters.
- Execute manual cleaning procedures that define proper endoscope reprocessing, including proper solution handling, channel flushing, and brushing techniques.
- Recognize the staff competency requirements outlined in standards, guidelines or regulations, including model-specific training documentation obligations.
- Articulate the patient safety and infection-risk implications of gaps or shortcuts in the reprocessing workflow.
This program is accredited for 2 CE’s through HSPA.
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