Title Byline
THINKING OF BUYING ...
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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4
Automated Endoscope Reprocessors
AERs make it easier to high-level disinfect your flexible scopes.
A
utomated
endoscope
reprocessors
have been around for
as long as I've been
working in the GI
department, and the
technology just keeps
improving. Their effi-
cient, thorough, con-
sistent cleaning and
high-level disinfection
means rapid scope
turnarounds for
providers, less labor and risk for techs and safe, quality care for
patients. AERs are workhorses, but when it's time for your facility to
upgrade, here's how to decide which one works for you.
• See it in use.
Since an AER depends on plumbing connections and
other preparations to operate, it's not reasonable to temporarily install
a range of models at your facility for on-site trials. Your best bet is to
check them out elsewhere, visiting other facilities to see them in
action and talk about them with GI managers and reprocessing techs.
You should be able to find hospitals or endoscopy centers in your area
that are using the types you're considering. It's just a matter of con-
tacting your local professional peers or asking reps to make introduc-
tions for you.
During your visit, watch the process closely. How do the scopes get
hooked up? What's the length of the reprocessing cycle? Ease of use
INTO THE WASH Automated endoscope
reprocessors can save you time and
labor while delivering spotless results.
