Infection prevention in endoscopy practice: comparative evaluation of re-usable vs single-use endoscopic valves

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infection Control
• Medical Device Safety

Background:

• Reusable endoscope valves pose an infection risk due to potential contamination.
• Previous comparisons of reusable versus single-use valve safety and efficacy are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the safety and efficacy of reusable and single-use endoscopic valves.
• To assess the risk of infection associated with reusable valves.

Main Methods:

• A laboratory investigation was conducted across 11 Italian endoscopy sites.
• Safety was evaluated by analyzing rinse liquid from reprocessed reusable valves.
• Efficacy was assessed by procedure completion rates without valve malfunction.

Main Results:

• Single-use valves demonstrated significantly lower contamination rates (0%) compared to reusable valves (29.1%; P=0.007).
• Procedural efficacy was similar between single-use (97.6%) and reusable valves (98.8%; P=ns).
• Microbiological analysis of reusable valves revealed surviving, potentially pathogenic microorganisms.

Conclusions:

• Sterile single-use endoscopic valves appear safer than reusable valves due to reduced contamination.
• Single-use valves offer comparable performance and efficacy to reusable valves.
• Findings support the use of single-use valves for enhanced infection control in endoscopic procedures.