Reprocessing of gastrointestinal endoscopic accessories.

In this paper, the minimal standards for the disinfection of endoscopes and endoscopic accessories, as defined by the OMED's Minimal Standards for Disinfection, are described. Given the difficulties of disinfecting reusable accessories, disposable accessories are desirable and marketed by many companies. However, they are less economical than the reusable accessories available. Presently, both disposable and reusable forceps are marketed and those that are to be reused must be disinfected according to the Minimal Standards for Disinfection. This paper will discuss the factors to consider in choosing single-use or reusable accessories, such as economy, reliability of disinfection and durability of function. The one-time biopsy cost of reusable and disposable accessories that can be satisfactorily disinfected will also be compared. This paper concludes that the accessories used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are less reliably disinfected, less expensive and less durable compared with biopsy forceps.