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E N D O S C O P E
R E P R O C E S S I N G
feature alarms that sound if the disinfectant's minimal effective concentration isn't reached or a connector isn't properly attached to an
endoscope's channel.
5
User-friendliness
How easy is the loading and unloading of endoscopes? Do
reprocessing techs have to bend over and reach into the unit
to pull out a drawer or stand on their toes to load instruments into the
basin? How quickly are scopes connected to the unit? The traditional
method calls for techs to attach a unit's connectors to an endoscope's
various ports. A newer AER, however, employs "boot" technology to
simplify the process. The boot covers the scope's control head; only
the auxiliary water flushing port has tubing that needs to be individually connected. That feature eliminates the possibility of a connector
being improperly attached to the scope or falling off during the reprocessing cycle. In addition, attaching a single boot to the scope instead
of numerous individual connectors will, over time, lead to greater
reprocessing efficiency.
6
Cost
Ten years ago, you'd expect to spend about $8,500 for a rudimentary AER with basic functions. But as technology has
improved, the machines have become more complex, and therefore
more expensive. Today, spending upward of $60,000 for more advanced
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O U T PAT 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 2012
