CDC, FDA issue device reprocessing recommendations for health care facilities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration today urged health care facilities that utilize reusable medical devices to immediately review their reprocessing practices to ensure they comply with all steps directed by the device manufacturers and have appropriate policies and procedures in place consistent with current standards and guidelines. The advisory includes recommendations for training, audit and feedback, and infection control policies and procedures. The agencies said the assessment should be done by a health care professional with expertise in device reprocessing, and ensure the reprocessing is done correctly and allows enough time for reprocessing personnel to follow all steps recommended by the device manufacturer.