This Position Statement from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the European Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) sets standards for the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and endoscopic devices used in gastroenterology. An expert working group of gastroenterologists, endoscopy nurses, chemists, microbiologists, and industry representatives provides updated recommendations on all aspects of reprocessing in order to maintain hygiene and infection control.

Contents ! 1. Introduction 2. Definition of terms 3. Endoscopy−related infections 4. Principles of infection control 5. Chain of infection 6. Health and safety of endoscopy personnel 7. General requirements 7.1. Classification of endoscopic equipment 7.2. Aims of the reprocessing procedure 7.3. Staff requirements 7.4. Reprocessing room 7.5. The reprocessing procedure 7.6. Manual versus automated reprocessing 8. Process chemicals 8.1. Detergents 8.1.1. Detergents with enzymatic boosters 8.1.2. Detergents with alkaline boosters 8.1.3. Detergents with enzymatic and alkaline boosters 8.1.4. Detergents containing antimicrobial active substances 8.

and the ESGE Guidelines Committee 7 Institutions Institutions are listed at the end of the guideline.

RECOMMENDATIONSPatients should be informed about the benefits and risks of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)Only specially trained and competent personnel should carry out endoscope reprocessing.Manufacturers of duodenoscopes should provide detailed instructions on how to use and reprocess their equipment.In the case of modifications to their equipment, manufacturers should provide updated instructions for use.Detailed reprocessing protocols based on the manufacturer's instructions for use should clearly lay out the different reprocessing steps necessary for each endoscope model.Appropriate cleaning equipment should be used for duodenoscopes in compliance with the manufacturer's instructions for use.Only purpose-designed, endoscope type-specific, singleuse cleaning brushes should be used, to ensure optimal cleaning.As soon as the endoscope is withdrawn from the patient, bedside cleaning should be performed, followed by leak testing, thorough manual cleaning steps, and automated reprocessing, in order to:Position Statement

Beilenhoff U. et al. ESGE guideline for process validation and routine testing for endoscope reprocessing ¼ Endoscopy 2007; 39: 85 ± 94 This document was downloaded for personal use only. Unauthorized distribution is strictly prohibited.