Reprocessing of single-use medical devices in hospital environment: Evolution and future perspectives

Abstract

These days, in hospital environment, reprocessing of Single-Use medical Devices (SUDs) is a practice used more and more often. Reprocessing of SUDs, in-house or by outsourcing, is a way for hospitals to produce cost savings and less quantity of waste. This review focuses on the evolution of SUDs reprocessing, as well as on the legislation and regulation associated, and discusses the potential risks involved. Historical evolution unveils that reprocessing is unequal between developed and developing countries, being the United States and Canada the more reprocessors countries. The control of this service ensures the safety of this practice, as it happens in developed countries. It is expected that the market of reprocessed SUDs will grow, and more hospitals will begin to reprocess these devices.