Study on Reuse of Single Use Devices Comparing Fifth Surveillance with Four Previous Surveillances

Abstract

Background: Single use devices (SUDs) are indispensable in clinical settings. However throughout the world, some of them are resterilised and reused. In the United States their reuse is strictly regulated, but in Japan their reuse is not so strictly regulated by law.
Objective: In the results of studies reported in 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2007 on the situations of reuse of SUDs in Japan, a decreasing tendency has been observed. Seven years have passed since the last surveillance, so here, the reuse of SUD was studied again in order to propose adequate ways of managing this issue in the future.
Methods: A questionnaire on the situation of reuse of SUDs was sent to 150 Certified Sterilisation Specialists (CSSs) of the Japanese Society of Medical Instrumentation who engaged in clinical central services.
Results: Replies to the questionnaire were received from 63/150 (42%). Of these 63 CSSs, 81% replied that some SUDs were reused in their facilities. Twenty seven facilities (43%) classified where the responsibility of reuse lied. Reuse of high-risk devices and opened but unused devices has been markedly decreased, although the population studied this time was a little different from those of the past four observations.
Conclusion: The reuse of SUDs is mainly for economical reasons, however, patient safety and ethical aspects should be considered further. In Japan too, the reuse of SUDs may become legally regulated in the near future. Patient safety should be considered more strictly by healthcare personnel.