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New safety guidelines issued for endoscopy units

New safety guidelines for gastrointestinal endoscopy units have been announced by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

“Over the past 2 years, surveyors have called into question accepted practices at many accredited endoscopy units seeking reaccreditation,” Audrey H. Calderwood, MD, said in an ASGE statement on the new guidelines.

Although rare, reports of transmission of infectious agents related to GI endoscopy “have highlighted the need to address potential areas … that could impact patient safety,” ASGE officials wrote.

The guidelines also include a summary of issues faced by endoscopy units in the United States, matched with the ASGE’s position on the issue and supporting rationale.

The new guidelines also attempt to address issues stemming from 2009 regulatory changes eliminating the distinction between a sterile surgical room and a nonsterile procedure room.