Reprocessing of medical devices

Quality of Water Used in Medical Device Reprocessing

This professional practice guide is a basic reference on the quality of water used for reusable medical devices reprocessing (MDR) and flexible endoscopic devices reprocessing (EDR). It aims to support activity management, to standardize practices and to improve the quality of MDR. It is intended for all persons working in health care institutions who are directly or indirectly responsible for quality assurance in MDR, including managers, MDR institution respondents, MDR staff, and persons responsible for the supply of drinking water and water treatment systems (Technical Services and Biomedical Engineering Department).

This professional practice guide compiles normative, scientific and technical information on the quality of water used to reprocess reusable medical devices. It also discusses potential breakdowns (including issues related to water used in reprocessing: quality or interruption of service), quality assurance and the development of contingency plans. This documen…

Centre d'expertise en retraitement des dispositifs médicaux

Monitoring incidents and accidents related to medical device reprocessing in Quebec, 2016-2017

The frequency of adverse events (incidents and accidents) related to medical device reprocessing (MDR) is a concern for health care services. By definition, an incident means that a medical device breaches a recognized standard for MDR without having been used on a patient. An accident refers to any use on a patient of a medical device which does not meet a recognized standard for MDR, with that use potentially affecting the patient’s health status (INSPQ, 2014).

This report describes the results of monitoring incidents and accidents related to MDR in Quebec between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017. Over this year, a total of 3,476 adverse events related to MDR were reported as of June 15, 2017. Of those, 2,933 (84%) were incidents and 543 (16%) were accidents, involving a total of 545 patients. Distribution of these events using the MSSS severity scale (Appendix 1) was:

  • 19% (n = 660) were severity A incidents: circumstances or situations w…
Centre d'expertise en retraitement des dispositifs médicaux