Sterile Single Use Valves:
- Eliminate manual cleaning and reprocessing of reusable valves
- Help create consistent practices
- Reduce the potential for errors
Why Single Use Valves?
Endoscope valves are vital, sophisticated devices that require meticulous cleaning procedures. According to the SGNA Position Statement on Reprocessing of Endoscopic Accessories and Valves:
Proper reprocessing of endoscopic accessories and valves is critical to the safe and successful treatment of patients.6
However, there are concerns with reprocessing of reusable endoscope valves as highlighted in an Infection Control Today article:
Healthcare-related infections from endoscopy continue to occur, for two reasons: 1) Failure to adhere to current disinfection guidelines and 2) Because of the complex design of endoscopes, which includes "springs and valves" as part of the endoscope that complicate adequate disinfection.1
There are over 30 steps to proper manual cleaning and reprocessing of Biopsy, Air/Water, and Suction Valves, which can make the cleaning process difficult, if not impossible. DEFENDO Single Use Valves help solve this problem by providing a disposable alternative to reusable endoscope valves.
