Automated Endoscope Reprocessors; Used for High-​Level Disinfection of Endoscopes and Accessories

Automated endoscope reprocessors are widely used for reprocessing of endoscopes to disinfect between uses. Endoscope is an important therapeutic and diagnostic tool in the modern age. It is used to diagnose, prevent, and treat complications of internal organs. Endoscope reprocessor is used to clean, disinfect, and sterilize endoscopes and endoscope accessories. Inappropriately reprocessed endoscopes lead to the occurrence of bacterial infections associated with the use of endoscopes. Thus, over the years, automated endoscope reprocessors have developed mainly because of these concerns gaining momentum in different parts of the world.

Automated endoscope reprocessors disinfect reusable endoscopes by exposing their outside surfaces and interior channels to chemical solutions. These are important medical tools used to sterilize endoscopes when reprocessing them. They are intended to kill microorganisms in or on reusable endoscopes by uncovering their inside channels and outside surfaces. Automated endoscope reprocessors help enhance reliability, efficiency, and consistency of the endoscope by standardizing and automating various important reprocessing stages, as well as help reduce the possibility of human error.

An endoscope is a medical instrument that is used to take out the tissue sample from a particular part of the body or area. The tissues that are collected during this process are then taken out and kept in a collection case for later analysis. Endoscope is basically used in the diagnosis of various diseases or conditions, and doctors can use it to take out the sample from the affected area by using various procedures.

Furthermore, they help reduce health problems related to endoscope reprocessing. Endoscope reprocessing devices are Class II devices cleared through the premarket notification by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [510(k)] pathway. Since the instrument is sterile when it is manufactured, it is important that it is also sterile when it is disassembled for reprocessing. Once the device is sterilized, the user will have complete control over the level of sterilization that needs to be applied. Thus, there is an increasing demand for automated endoscope reprocessors worldwide.