M A Y 2 0 1 6 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 2 5
fied to do so. They should receive training and undergo competency verification
upon initial hire, at designated times annually and whenever new endoscopes,
AERs and chemicals are brought in.
Last September, the CDC and FDA issued an urgent report that called on facil-
ity leaders to review their procedures for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing
reusable medical devices. In the directive, the CDC states that you should regu-
larly monitor and document the performance of reprocessing techs with respect
to their endoscope cleaning and recording of AER performance.
Keep in mind that reprocessing techs must be trained on how to care for
every make and model scope you have, the use of automated flushing devices,
how to perform manual disinfection (including the chemical used) and how
your AERs operate. In other words, a general GI service line competency is not
acceptable. Endoscope and AER manufacturers will train your staff on the prop-
