After a year rife with reports of infections from improperly cleaned endoscopes or duodenoscopes, new FDA guidelines to ensure proper scope reprocessing could lower associated lawsuits, LawyersandSettlements.com reports.
Here's what you need to know.
1. The FDA released guidelines for manufacturers intent on limiting cross-contamination from valves and accessories used with flexible GI endoscopes.
2. The guidelines address the potential of contamination from backflow to water bottles through irrigation channels lacking a backflow-prevention feature.
3. The FDA also calls for proper labeling to inform medical professionals whether or not equipment is reusable.