FAQ on Endoscope Test and Measurement Equipment

Endoscope test and measurement is an often-overlooked but critical tool for reducing scope repair costs and wasted operating room time. For hospital sterilization services, biomedical departments, and scope repair services, simple endoscope test protocols and tools like the endolume measurement kit can quickly identify issues and reduce repair costs.

What are common causes of endoscope failure?

Surgeons typically notice endoscope issues when the image is bad, often caused by dust, moisture or cracks that breach the endoscope, or an image that is too dark, often indicating a light fiber issue.

Endoscopes are delicate instruments with intricate optical components, subjected to daily handling, and the high heat and moisture of sterilization. Deterioration of the endoscopic image quality can directly impact the surgical procedures. Points of failure are numerous and difficult to identify from visual inspection.

Endoscopes can have multiple points of failure. Narrow down by type of issue and then conduct a qualitative and quantitative analysis.

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What is the protocol for endoscope test and measurement?

There is no established protocol for endoscope test and measurement. The Joint Commission’s standards for scope management in diagnostic medical equipment inventory requires accredited healthcare facilities to track flexible and rigid endoscopes in inventory, but most endoscope manufacturers do not publish scope criteria to track and measure scope performance. Establishing a baseline and tracking endoscopic equipment by serial number is an important first step to reducing overall scope repair costs.

Erring on the side of safety, most hospital surgical centers simply send every endoscope flagged in the operating room out for repair. In one hospital system, this resulted in $1.3M in scope repair costs each year, much of which could be avoided.

With the right endoscope test equipment, surgical centers can baseline equipment performance at purchase and, over time, easily identify any deterioration prior to issues in the operating room.

What is the cost of unnecessary endoscope repair?

It is estimated that between 15%-30% of endoscopes need repair and should not be used in surgery. Yet hospitals around the globe send a much larger percentage of their endoscopes out for repair than necessary, simply because they have no way of determining the quality of their inventory. By proactively testing their endoscopes and light guides repair/replacement costs are greatly reduced.

What tools are needed for scope testing?

The EndoLume™ is the ideal tool for qualitatively measuring illumination throughout the endoscopic system. The EndoLume Measurement Kit (which includes the EndoLume, an LED light source, and light guide) is a perfect package for use within the Sterile Processing/Central Sterile operations. An added device is the EndoScan rigid scope lens tester, which can identify endoscope lens damage.

How do I maintain endoscope image quality standards?

Establish a clear scope testing protocol and documentation process. Create baselines for all new endoscopes put into service and maintain accurate records. Perform qualitative and quantitative testing on a regular basis to prevent issues prior to use. Be sure to maintain all scope testing equipment with an annual calibration.

Learn more about Ross’ endoscope test and measurement equipment