Reprocessing single-use devices--the equipment connection

This is the second in a series of three articles about reprocessing medical devices labeled as "single use" by the manufacturer. The goal of reprocessing single-use devices (SUDs) is to save money and decrease environmental pollution. Reprocessing can be performed on SUDs that have been used on other patients or opened but not used. In this article, the procedures for reprocessing (e.g., cleaning, inspecting, sterilizing, tracking, testing, validating) and establishing a reuse program are discussed. The first article of the series, published in the May 2002 issue of the Journal, discussed the ethical component of reusing SUDs. The third article, to be published in the July 2002 issue, will discuss the roles of the involved regulatory agencies and organizations guiding the process.