Multisociety guideline on reprocessing flexible GI endoscopes: 2016 update

Abstract

The beneficial role of GI endoscopy for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of many digestive diseases and cancer is well established. Like many sophisticated medical devices, the endoscope is a complex, reusable instrument that requires meticulous cleaning and reprocessing in strict accordance with manufacturer and professional organization guidance before being used on subsequent patients. To date, published episodes of pathogen transmission related to GI endoscopy using standard end-viewing instruments have been associated with failure to follow established cleaning and disinfection/sterilization guidelines or use of defective equipment.