What’s New on Flexible Endoscopes Reprocessing Guidelines?

Factsheet

Podcast

Recording

Credits

Flexible endoscopes remain among the most challenging reusable medical devices to clean, disinfect, and sterilize. This webinar will explore the most recent updates in international and national guidelines, highlighting critical changes aimed at improving patient safety and infection prevention. Participants will gain practical insights into the rationale behind updated protocols, including enhanced drying procedures, storage conditions, microbiological surveillance, and staff competency. The session is designed for CSSD professionals, endoscopy nurses, infection preventionists, and healthcare managers involved in endoscope handling and reprocessing.

Main topics:

Enhanced Cleaning and Pre-Cleaning Protocols

Overview of updated guidance on bedside pre-cleaning steps.
Importance of time-critical transitions between procedure and decontamination.
Changes to manual cleaning validation and the role of automation.

Drying and Storage Requirements

New evidence-based drying protocols- the shift to forced air and validated drying cabinets.
Storage duration limitations and the rationale behind “hang time” recommendations.
Risk mitigation for retained moisture and biofilm formation.

Microbiological Surveillance and Quality Assurance

Introduction of routine surveillance sampling and action thresholds.
Updated guidance on frequency, testing methods, and response strategies.
Implications for accreditation and infection control standards.

Competency, Documentation, and Traceability

Emphasis on competency-based staff training with updated assessment criteria.
Required documentation changes to support traceability and audit readiness.
The role of digital solutions in tracking compliance and improving workflow.

This is the first webinar dedicated to “What’s New on Flexible Endoscopes Reprocessing Guidelines?”, presented by ASP Continuous Education.

28^th May 2025

Mr David Bellamy

Vice President- World Federation of Hospital, Sterilization Sciences Sterilizing Services Department Manager- NSW Health

Experienced Consultant for Decontamination and Sterilisation projects, Protocols and Certifications

Sydney, Australia

Vice President of the World Federation of Hospital Sterilization Sciences and SSD Manager at NSW Health.
Over two decades of dedicated service in the hospital sector, with a focus on advancing sterilization and infection control practices for the past decade.
His expertise includes management, strategic planning, clinical education, research, and SSD department development and design in healthcare settings.
Commitment to excellence in sterilization and infection control education – Vice President and Scientific Officer for the World Federation for Hospital Sterilization Sciences, and past President of the Federal Sterilizing Research and Advisory Council of Australia.
Collaboration with the World Health Organization in the Asia-Pacific Region to improve local and international standards.
Australian Certification in sterilization Teacher & passionate about empowering leadership and driving innovation & excellence in healthcare sterilization and infection control.

Speaker Content Disclaimer:

The information, opinions, interpretations and recommendations presented on this page are provided by the individual speaker in their own capacity and do not necessarily reflect, nor should they be interpreted as reflecting, the views, policies, positions or endorsements of Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP). The speaker retains responsibility for the content, references and scientific substantiation provided. This content is made available for educational and scientific information purposes only, is not intended as medical advice or as a product claim, and does not replace the applicable instructions for use, labelling or applicable national requirements.

Audience Feedback

"Very helpful to learn about the updated drying and storage recommendations."

"The section on microbiological surveillance gave me new ideas to improve our process."

"Clear explanation on manual cleaning validation and automation – very relevant."

"Great reminder of the importance of staff training and documentation."

"Concise and practical overview of the new guidelines – well done!"

Mr David Bellamy

Microbiological surveillance and Quality Assurance systems give us early warnings and ongoing validation that our processes are safe and effective.

Compliance will only increase with the release of the new ISO 25224.

Speaker

Take Home Messages

Effective pre-cleaning and enhanced cleaning are essential for decontamination, ensuring patient safety by preventing biofilm, protecting equipment, and supporting high-quality reprocessing workflows.
Thorough drying and proper storage of endoscope devices are crucial for preventing microbial survival, device damage, recontamination, and ensuring patient safety.
Microbiological surveillance is a proactive quality assurance approach that ensures effective reprocessing and patient safety through routine monitoring and alignment with evolving standards.
Skilled staff, precise records, and full traceability ensure safe, compliant sterilization services, ensure audit readiness, and enable fast responses to incidents protecting patients and healthcare workers.

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Continuous educational credits

How to Earn Your CE Credits

During the process you will be redirected to Learning Management System (LMS) platform to complete your learning journey, which includes viewing the webinar and reviewing the factsheet.
Upon completion, you will receive your CE credit certificate.