What does delayed reprocessing refer to?

Delayed reprocessing refers to the situation when a flexible endoscope is not cleaned within a specified time frame, often defined as 60 minutes after a procedure. This timeframe is critical because, after this period, bioburden (the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms) can increase significantly on the surface of the endoscope, making effective cleaning and disinfection more challenging. Leaving a scope unprocessed for longer increases the risk of infection transmission if the endoscope is reused.

In contrast, cleaning a scope after the 60-minute mark can lead to situations where residues or contaminants may have had enough time to adhere more firmly, which can compromise the effectiveness of subsequent cleaning and disinfection protocols. Understanding this concept emphasizes the importance of timely reprocessing to maintain safety standards in medical environments.