Guidance section: selecting, purchasing, and using reprocessors for flexible endoscopic applications

In this section, we summarize and expand on the significant findings from our Evaluation of liquid disinfecting and sterilizing flexible endoscope reprocessors. Below, we present factors that will help users decide whether their facility should purchase a reprocessor and which unit is the best selection for their needs. We also provide guidance intended to improve the overall safety and effectiveness of flexible endoscope reprocessing. Readers are advised to review the entire study in conjunction with this guidance material to establish a firm foundation for any selection, purchasing, or use decisions regarding flexible endoscope reprocessors in general, as well as those that we evaluated. Decisions on selecting and purchasing one of the evaluated reprocessors should not be based on our criteria, test methods, test results, or ratings alone, but on a thorough understanding of the clinical and technical issues associated with these devices, which can be gained by reading this issue in its entirety.