Reusing disposables: same old story--more characters added

In recent years health care professionals have become increasingly concerned with the economic issues of patient care. One of the most controversial issues is the practice of reprocessing items labeled "single use." Professionals in varied health care settings have different priorities to consider on the basis of their clinical responsibilities. This article explores resterilization and reuse considerations, including the use of manufacturers' written guidelines; legal and ethical issues of patient rights; health care providers' responsibilities with regard to informed consents, clinical trials, and testing of reprocessed items; and performing cost comparisons of reused versus single-use items, in both hospital and free-standing health care facilities.