10 Common GI Reprocessing Answers for Technicians
Reprocessing flexible endoscopes is one of the most high-risk and heavily scrutinized processes in any healthcare facility. Between complex device designs, evolving regulatory standards, and patient safety concerns, it’s no wonder GI and sterile processing professionals have so many questions.
- How soon after use should flexible endoscopes be reprocessed?
Reprocessing should ideally begin within one hour of the procedure. Delayed reprocessing can lead to biofilm formation, making cleaning significantly more difficult and potentially ineffective. Departments can consider tags or logs to ensure scopes move from pre-cleaning to manual cleaning within the hour to prevent having to take extra steps in reprocessing that are a result of delayed reprocessing.
- What should I do if my scope fails its leak test?
Scopes that fail leak testing present a risk for patients. The scope’s integrity can potentially allow fluid erosion and pathogens to further damage the scope. Scopes should immediately be removed from service. The endoscope manufacturer or your repair specialist should be
contacted to determine if the scope can be repaired.
- Why does my scope keep failing leak tests?
Repeated leak failures often point to either internal damage or improper technique. Double-check your connections, leak tester IFU and
water levels, if you are conducting a wet leak test. If the issues persist, scopes may need professional repair.
Leak testing is non-negotiable for assessing scope condition and for patient safety, so don’t disregard failed results! It is always wiser to remove the scope from inventory, or test again.
- How often should training or competency assessments be done?
Staff should undergo competency assessments annually at minimum, per AAMI and The Joint Commission. Whenever new devices or updates to IFUs are introduced, retraining is also essential.
Enhancing the quality of work for any staff member involves comfort and competency in their job. By providing routine training and competency assessments, department leaders can build confidence in their teammates, and in the quality of their outcomes.
- What’s the difference between high-level disinfection and sterilization?
High-level disinfection (HLD) eliminates most pathogens, but sterilization is the only method that fully eradicates spores and microbial life in instrument reprocessing. HLD is the minimum advised reprocessing method, particularly if logistics and cost are of concern. ANSI/AAMI ST91:2021 recommends sterilization for certain endoscopes & endoscope accessories, but cost and workflow constraints still limit universal adoption. Determine what is best for your facility based on a risk analysis, and the resources available.
- What are ‘high-risk’ endoscopes?
High-risk endoscopes as defined by ANSI/AAMI ST91:2021 are those which have been associated with infectious outbreaks, and which may include components in their design which make them difficult to clean. Some examples include linear ultrasound endoscopes, ureteroscopes, endobronchial ultrasound endoscopes, cystoscopes, duodenoscopes and bronchoscopes.
High-risk endoscopes shall be verified using a cleaning verification method after each use, to ensure proper cleaning protocol took place. Special attention to the cleaning process of high-risk endoscopes can be critical to ensuring an infection-free environment for patients.
- Can I reuse cleaning brushes and/or accessories?
Only if the IFU expressly permits it, and if the IFU conditions are all met. Reprocessing single-use items comes with many risks, such as cross-contamination or instrument damage.
- What should I be looking for during borescope inspections of my endoscope channels?
Borescope inspection can be a powerful cleaning verification tool, if you know what you’re looking for. Instrument damage, residual bioburden, residues from the cleaning process such as hair or brush bristles, can all be identified. Each poses a unique risk for cleaning outcomes.
During borescope inspection, the primary need might not be identifying the material on the screen, but by finding it at all. By creating patterns of potential lapses in cleaning, endoscope reprocessing professionals can perform more targeted risk assessments to improve their outcomes.
- What is the importance of drying endoscope channels before storage?
Drying is an essential cornerstone to effective endoscope reprocessing. Any residual water in endoscope channel is a dream for biofilm formation: dark, damp, warm and undisturbed conditions are ideal for biofilm.
Drying cabinets that support internal channel drying reduce the risk of residual water in channels.
- What do people enjoy about being a GI technician or nurse?
In Pure Processing’s 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report, a deep sense of personal pride and satisfaction in one’s work was the key reason individuals chose to stay in their role. GI reprocessing can be more than just a job; it can be a calling that delivers integrity, pride and purpose for both nurse and patient.
“I love that what I do really matters to the patients. They come here and entrust their lives in our hands.”
“I enjoy knowing that my job plays a role in the lives of patients.”
“I take great pride knowing that I am helping patients.”
Proper endoscope reprocessing is critical to infection prevention, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. As devices and standards evolve, so must our understanding of best practices. Ensuring your team has access to current guidelines, validated equipment, and regular training is essential.
Looking for additional resources for endoscope reprocessing? Visit our Reprocessing Report library for your essential GI reading!