[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"BlogPosting","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"PO Box 2808","name":"InnerSpace Postal Address","postOfficeBoxNumber":"PO Box 2808","addressCountry":"United States","addressLocality":"Grand Rapids","addressRegion":"Michigan","postalCode":"49501","@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#PostalAddress0d149542-0d37-4313-a7a4-aacb6a045936"},"url":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/","alternateName":"InnerSpace Healthcare","location":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#PlaceOrPostalAddress","faxNumber":"+1 616-743-5944","name":"InnerSpace","description":"InnerSpace Healthcare offers a complete line of stationary and mobile storage solutions for healthcare facilities including catheter labs, radiology, central supply and surgical services. We offer a cohesive system of medical carts, medical cabinets, and medical casework that work together for improved staff and facility efficiency","email":"cs@solairemedical.com","telephone":"+1 888-435-2256","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/innerspace-by-solaire-medical\/","brand":["https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#PaceBrand","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#RoamBrand","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#EvolveBrand","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#Brand","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#InnerspaceBrand"],"contactPoint":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/contact\/#CustomerService","legalName":"Solaire Medical, LLC","foundingDate":"2011-10-01","areaServed":["https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#canada","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_States"],"numberOfEmployees":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#QuantitativeValue","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/innerspace-healthcare-storage.png","name":"InnerSpace Healthcare Storage","height":"119","width":"460","acquireLicensePage":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/contact\/","@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/innerspace-healthcare-storage.png"},"@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#Organization"},"mentions":[{"@type":"Thing","url":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/entity\/Q9158768","name":"wiki-storage","@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/entity\/Q9158768"},{"@type":"Thing","url":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q278061","name":"wiki-drying","@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q278061"},{"@type":"Thing","alternateName":"visual inspection","name":"wiki-visual-inspection","description":"common method of quality control, data acquisition, and data analysis","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q448889","@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q448889"},{"@type":"Thing","alternateName":"documentation","name":"wiki-documentation","description":"any communicable material that is used to describe, explain or instruct regarding some attributes of an object, system or procedure","sameAs":["kg:\/m\/015www","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q788790","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Documentation"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q788790"},{"@type":"Thing","url":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q12773274","name":"wiki-cleaning","@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q12773274"},{"@type":"Thing","alternateName":"disinfection","name":"wiki-disinfection","description":"rendering pathogens harmless through methods including use of heat, antiseptics and antibacterial agents","sameAs":["kg:\/g\/11b60sd72w","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q24887418"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q24887418"}],"about":[{"@type":"Thing","url":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q580725","name":"wiki-endoscope","@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q580725"},{"@type":"Thing","alternateName":"patient safety","name":"wiki-patient-safety","description":"prevention, reduction, reporting, and analysis of medical error","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q1475557","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Patient_safety","kg:\/m\/0f469q"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q1475557"}],"subjectOf":{"@type":"Blog","url":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/","blogPost":["https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/benefits-of-medical-pass-through-cabinets\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/medical-cart-maintenance-tips\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/essential-features-mobile-procedure-carts\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/endoscopy-reprocessing-safety\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/healthcare-inventory-management-systems\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/medical-carts-infection-control-program\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/hospital-open-storage-systems\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/what-is-the-best-way-to-track-endoscope-use\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/stationary-vs-mobile-storage\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/preparing-for-unusual-shifts-in-viral-outbreaks\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/organizing-a-crash-cart\/","https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/web-based-security-system-benefits\/"],"name":"News","description":"News about InnerSpace healthcare storage solutions. Offering medical carts, cabinets, and casework that change with your needs.","inLanguage":{"@type":"Language","name":"English","sameAs":"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/American_English","@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#English"},"isFamilyFriendly":true,"isAccessibleForFree":true,"@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/"},"inLanguage":{"@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/#English"},"copyrightYear":"2025.0","datePublished":"2025-05-14","citation":["https:\/\/www.sgna.org\/Portals\/0\/SGNA%20Standards%20of%20infection%20prevention%20in%20reprocessing_FINAL.pdf","https:\/\/www.asge.org\/docs\/default-source\/default-document-library\/multisociety-guideline-reprocessing-gi-endoscopes.pdf"],"articleBody":"Endoscope reprocessing involves as many as 100 steps, depending on the IFU for your endoscopes. While there is no strong evidence for the efficacy of some steps, industry leaders agree that each step plays an important role in reducing the risk of harm to patients. Thus, once an endoscope reaches its hang-time limit, it\u2019s time to remove it from use and begin the reprocessing process.In this article, we examine why following the reprocessing steps set forth by leading professional organizations and the manufacturer\u2019s IFU is critical to the health of your patients.\u00a0Pre-Cleaning Immediately after endoscope removal, the scope is wiped with a detergent solution. The channels are flushed with the solution, followed by an air purge. This is a quick process meant to remove organic material efficiently before transport.\u00a0Rationale:\u00a0Pre-cleaning reduces the risk of biofilm build-up. Biological material is easier to remove while moist, making subsequent cleaning more successful.\u00a0Transport\u00a0Immediately after pre-cleaning, the scope is transported to the reprocessing room in a closed container. It is good practice to label the container with the pre-cleaning completion time.\u00a0Rationale:\u00a0Some endoscope IFUs require that reprocessing begins within a specific time frame after pre-cleaning, or staff will be required to perform additional cleaning steps before proceeding with reprocessing. A closed container prevents exposure of staff, patients, and visitors to infectious material. Rapid transport followed by leak testing and manual cleaning prevents bioburden from drying on the scope. As noted above, debris is easier to remove while moist.\u00a0Leak Testing Technicians perform a leak test before initiating manual cleaning. The scope is visually inspected during leak testing to identify obvious signs of damage or debris. Rationale:\u00a0Leak testing can identify damaged areas that may: harbor biofilm, create small tears in mucous membranes, providing microorganisms present in the endoscope access to the bloodstream, as reported in an article published in OR Today, or allow detergents used in cleaning and disinfecting to leak into internal components, causing costly damage. Manual Cleaning Following the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for use (IFU), the endoscope is cleaned, including the elevator channel. Technicians should use appropriately sized brushes and non-abrasive cloths, as instructed by the IFU.\u00a0\u00a0Rationale:\u00a0Manual cleaning is a critical step in reprocessing. Disinfection disinfects surfaces but may not remove any remaining debris. Organic material remaining on the scope after manual cleaning may become a source of infection for the next patient.\u00a0Rinse and Dry Endoscopes are rinsed thoroughly with clean water before inspection. The channels are purged with forced air, and the endoscope wiped with a lint-free cloth to remove any remaining liquid.\u00a0Rationale:\u00a0Any remaining water or detergent can: obstruct the technician\u2019s view during visual inspection, and dilute the disinfectant used during high-level disinfection, potentially rendering the disinfectant too weak to perform the job of inactivating microorganisms. Visual Inspection Technicians look for cracks, scratches, debris, rust, or discolored areas. Strong lighting and magnification are essential tools to help technicians identify areas of concern.\u00a0Rationale:\u00a0Visually verify that the scope and channels are clean to reduce the risk of retained debris or overlooked damaged areas.\u00a0High-Level Disinfection Whether performing high-level disinfection (HLD) manually or via an automated reprocessor, follow the manufacturer\u2019s IFU. Some automated reprocessors (AER) perform a cleaning cycle before disinfection. However, it is best practice to manually clean and inspect all endoscopes before disinfection to ensure no debris remains in or on the scopes.\u00a0Rationale:\u00a0HLD is the gold standard in endoscope reprocessing. HLD kills or inactivates microorganisms that may transmit infectious diseases. However, disinfection is only as good as the steps that preceded it. Second Rinse After high-level disinfection, remove any remaining disinfectant by thoroughly rinsing the scope with clean water.\u00a0Rationale: A final rinse removes any remaining disinfectant residue that could cause damage to delicate membranes. Drying Scopes and their channels must be thoroughly dried using forced instrument air.\u00a0Rationale:\u00a0A moist environment may contribute to the development of biofilm, a sticky substance composed of living organisms.\u00a0Storage Endoscopy units may use conventional or drying cabinets. Drying cabinets force filtered air through endoscope channels and throughout the cabinet. Endoscopes stored in drying cabinets remain dry, both inside and out.\u00a0Rationale:\u00a0Moisture retention leading to biofilm build-up remains a serious concern for endoscopy centers. Utilizing a storage method that maintains dry scopes, like a drying cabinet, may help prevent retained moisture that can promote the development of biofilm.\u00a0Documentation As each endoscope is reprocessed, document all endoscope reprocessing steps digitally, or at minimum, in a manual logbook. This step helps maintain patient safety and ensures your endoscopes are \u201caudit ready\u201d. Specific Rationale: Documentation of all reprocessing steps is essential for: quality control, communication among staff,\u00a0prompt identification of safety issues, and patient tracking in the event of an infectious outbreak. A digital logbook streamlines documentation, improves operational efficiency, and ensures traceability. Tracking hospital assets such as endoscopes improves patient outcomes and reduces overall cost. Key takeaway: Failure to follow best practice guidelines published by leading professional organizations in addition to the endoscope manufacturer\u2019s IFU may result in disease transmission during endoscopic procedures.\u00a0","dateModified":"2025-05-14","url":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/endoscope-reprocessing-patient-safety\/","name":"Endoscope Reprocessing: Why Each Step Is Essential to Patient Safety","headline":"Endoscope Reprocessing: Why Each Step Is Essential to Patient Safety","description":"Why following the reprocessing steps set of leading professional organizations and manufacturers IFU are critical to the health of medical patients.","wordCount":"840","isFamilyFriendly":true,"isAccessibleForFree":true,"timeRequired":"P0Y0M0DT0H3M32S","author":{"@type":"Person","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cindy-blye.jpg","name":"Cindy Blye","height":"884","width":"885","@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/cindy-blye.jpg"},"url":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/web-based-security-system-benefits\/","name":"Cindy Blye","description":"Cindy Blye, BSN, RN, CCM is a Registered Nurse and Certified Case Manager. She is an Alumni of West Virginia University School of Nursing (BSN), and a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and The Authors Guild.","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/cindy-blye-rn-bsn-ccm","honorificSuffix":["BSN","CCM","RN"],"alumniOf":"https:\/\/nursing.wvu.edu\/","jobTitle":"Registered Nurse and Certified Case Manager","affiliation":["https:\/\/authorsguild.org\/","https:\/\/healthjournalism.org\/"],"@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/author\/cindy-blye\/"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/endoscope-reprocessing-steps-header-image.jpg","name":"Endoscope Reprocessing Steps Header Image","height":1152,"width":2048,"@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/endoscope-reprocessing-steps-header-image.jpg"},"@id":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/endoscope-reprocessing-patient-safety\/#BlogPosting"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Endoscope Reprocessing: Why Each Step Is Essential to Patient Safety","item":"https:\/\/innerspacehealthcare.com\/news\/endoscope-reprocessing-patient-safety\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]