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FDA warns against multi-use endoscope connectors

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The FDA has warned health care facilities to avoid using certain endoscope connectors due to a potential risk for cross-contamination.

The devices, known as 24-hour multi-patient connectors, are used to connect the auxiliary water channel of an endoscope to a water source and irrigation system. They are labeled for use with multiple patients over a 24-hour period before they need reprocessing, according to the FDA’s safety communication.

“To date, the FDA has not received acceptable testing to demonstrate the safe use of these products, and recommends against their use,” the safety communication said.

The FDA recommended that health care facilities discontinue use of 24-hour multi-patient endoscope connectors and advised them to use either single-use disposable connectors or reusable connectors that are reprocessed prior to each use.

“The agency continues to work with endoscope connector manufacturers to ensure that their products are designed and tested to prevent cross-contamination,” the FDA said. “We will continue to actively monitor this situation and will update this communication if significant new information becomes available.”

Reference:

FDA. 24-Hour Multi-Patient Use Endoscope Connectors: Letter to HealthCare Providers and Healthcare Facilities - Risk of Cross-Contamination. April 2018. Accessed April 18, 2018.