AORN’s Four Revised Guidelines to Improve Flexible Endoscope Safety

AORN’s Four Revised Guidelines to Improve Flexible Endoscope Safety

PREVENTING INFECTION

AORN has issued four new guidelines for processing flexible endoscopes calling for improved communication with decontamination staff, more rigorous testing before sterilization or HLD and more thorough drying procedures.

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Patient safety is at the core of the risks that can result from sterile processing staff shortages.

Preventing Infection

The shortage comes as reusable flexible endoscopes are under increasing scrutiny due to reported device-related infections — including from multidrug-resistant bacteria.