Reusable medical equipment have been used for decades and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now taking steps to ensure that the devices are properly sterilized and safe for patients.
According to the FDA, there have been reports of patient exposure to tiny amounts of body fluids, tissue, and blood from other patients that may have come from reusable medical equipment that had not been adequately reprocessed, or sterilized using high level disinfection.
Although infection from contaminated medical equipment is rare, the FDA is working with health officials and manufactures to further minimize the risk.
Some of the steps the agency is taking include:
• Ensuring that manufactures are providing scientifically validated and clear sterilization (reprocessing) instructions.
• Ensuring that medical professionals understand the instructions from the manufacturers.
• Develop the best designs for the reusable medical equipment that will make for optimal disinfecting.
If you or someone you know has been harmed by medical negligence, Contact Sokolove Law to receive a free legal consultation and learn about your options.