FDA releases supplemental measures for duodenoscope reprocessing

Editor's Note

The Food and Drug Administration on August 4 released a Safety Communication that contains supplemental measures to enhance duodenoscope reprocessing. The measures emerged from an expert panel meeting earlier this year.

In addition to following manufacturer reprocessing instructions, the FDA says facilities can use one or more of the supplemental measures to further reduce the risk of infection and increase the safety of side-viewing duodenoscopes.

The additional measures include:

*microbiological culturing

*ethylene oxide sterilization

*use of a liquid chemical sterilant processing system

*repeat high-level disinfection.

Date Issued: August 4, 2015 Audiences: Gastroenterologists Gastrointestinal surgeons Endoscopy nurses Staff working in endoscopy reprocessing units in health care facilities Infection control practitioners Personnel conducting endoscope culturing (e.g.