Multisociety Guideline on Reprocessing Flexible GI Endoscopes: 2011

summary and endorsingorganizations Flexible GI endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutictool for the care of patients with GI and pancreaticobiliarydisorders. Compliance with accepted guidelines for the re-processing of GI endoscopes between patients is critical tothe safety and success of their use. When these guidelines arefollowed, pathogen transmission can be effectively prevented.Increased efforts and resources should be directed to improvecompliance with these guidelines. Further research in the areaof GI endoscope reprocessing should be encouraged.The original 2003 position statement was endorsed by thecollaborating organizations listed in the following. This 2011update was initially drafted by the Quality Assurance in En-doscopy Committee of ASGE and the Guideline Committeeof the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.Thereafter, significant input from the endorsing organizationswas incorporated and redistributed for consensus. It has re-ceived the endorsement of the following organizations, whichare committed to assisting the FDA, equivalent internationalagencies, and manufacturers in addressing critical infectioncontrol issues in GI device reprocessing:• American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy• Society for Healthcare Epidemiology• American College of Gastroenterology• American Gastroenterological Association• American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons• Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care• Association of periOperative Registered Nurses• Association of Professionals in Infection Control andEpidemiology• The Joint Commission• Society of American Gastrointestinal and EndoscopicSurgeons• Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates