Disposable versus reusable biopsy forceps in GI endoscopy: a cost-minimization analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Healthcare Economics
• Infection Control

Background:

• Disposable biopsy forceps are perceived as safer than reusable ones due to reduced infection transmission risk.
• Existing cost analyses comparing reusable and disposable biopsy forceps yield conflicting results.
• This study directly compares the economic costs associated with reusable versus disposable biopsy forceps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a cost-minimization analysis comparing reusable and disposable biopsy forceps from a hospital's perspective.
• To evaluate direct costs, including acquisition, cleaning, sterilization, and disposal.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cost-minimization analysis.
• Inclusion of direct costs for both reusable and disposable biopsy forceps.
• Cost components for reusable forceps: purchase, cleaning (chemicals, equipment, labor), and centralized sterilization.
• Cost components for disposable forceps: acquisition and destruction.

Main Results:

• Reusable biopsy forceps were used approximately 90 times each.
• The cost per use for reusable biopsy forceps was $6.84 ($3.59 acquisition, $2.28 cleaning, $0.97 sterilization).
• The cost per use for disposable biopsy forceps ranged from $10.72 to $15.63, with additional costs from $3.88 to $8.79.

Conclusions:

• Reusable biopsy forceps present a more economical option based on direct cost analysis.
• The potential risk of infectious disease transmission associated with both types of forceps remains uncharacterized and requires consideration.
• A comprehensive evaluation should balance economic factors with the unquantified risks of infection transmission.