Reprocessing Single-Use Devices

Author(s):
Ruth Curchoe, RN, MSN, CIC Infection Prevention Consultant

Hilton, NY

Original Publication:
October 2, 2014

Abstract

Increasing healthcare costs, environmental concerns, and recognition of finite resources have prompted healthcare facilities to consider reprocessing devices labeled as single-use devices. At the same time, concerns over the safety of reprocessed single-use devices led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to develop and publish regulations for this practice. Under these regulations, reprocessors, hospital-based or third party, must meet the same standards as the original manufacturer.