Improving Quality and Safety in the Endoscopy Unit (Virtual) | August 2023-GI Society Statement on AAMI ST91

GI Society Statement on AAMI ST91

Pdf Summary

A joint statement from several GI societies advises against the revisions made to the ANSI/AAMI ST91 standard for the processing of flexible and semi-rigid endoscopes. The statement highlights concerns about the practicality, appropriateness, and potential conflicts in the revised standards. The societies urge that the focus should be on training, oversight, and enhancement of cleaning practices and technologies while awaiting the development of alternative endoscopes and reprocessing technologies. The statement also outlines key challenges identified by the societies, including lack of transparency in the development process, statements unsubstantiated by evidence, disparities in the normative and formative sections of the standards, and impractical and inappropriate guidance. The societies emphasize the importance of consistency in guidelines and standards adopted by endoscopy units to ensure quality, safety, and compliance. The statement concludes by providing recommendations for endoscopy units when adopting guidelines and standards for endoscope reprocessing, and acknowledges the contributions of individuals in the writing of the statement.

Keywords

GI societies

revisions

ANSI/AAMI ST91 standard

processing

endoscopes

training

cleaning practices

technologies

challenges

guidelines