These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Reprocessing Standards for Medical Devices and Equipment in Otolaryngology: Safe Practices for Scopes, Speculums, and Single-Use Devices.
    Author: Chang CWD, Brenner MJ, Shuman EK, Kokoska MS.
    Journal: Otolaryngol Clin North Am; 2019 Feb; 52(1):173-183. PubMed ID: 30262168.
    Abstract:
    Stringent regulatory standards for reprocessing medical devices and equipment have proliferated in response to patient safety incidents in which improperly disinfected or contaminated endoscopes lead to large-scale disease transmission or outbreaks. This article details best practices in reprocessing reusable and single-use devices in otolaryngology, with particular attention to flexible fiberoptic endoscopes/nasophyarngoscopes, nasal speculums, and other clinic and operating room instruments. High-risk devices require sterilization, whereas lower risk devices may be reprocessed using various disinfection procedures. Reprocessing practices have implications for adequacy, efficiency, and cost. Nuanced understanding of procedures and their rationale ensures delivery of safe, ethical, and quality patient care.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]