LEESBURG — Cleaning and reprocessing flexible endoscopes between cases in minimally invasive procedures is critical to patient safety. UF Health Leesburg Hospital is now the first in Florida to use the OER-Elite system, state-of-the-art technology that allows staff to efficiently perform these vital steps.

Medical organizations, including the Society for Gastrointestinal Nurses and Associates and the American Society for Gastroenterology, recommend the use of an OER system to standardize processes, improve reprocessing efficacy and reduce personnel exposure to high-level disinfectants.

“As a facility that is committed to providing the best care for our patients, we are proud to have this state-of-the-art technology to reprocess our flexible endoscopes,” said Laurie Harsh, R.N., director of perioperative services at UF Health Leesburg Hospital. “I’ve found that the automated system delivers quick and consistent endoscope cleaning and disinfection to provide a patient-ready endoscope.”

            The OER-Elite simultaneously cleans and disinfects up to two endoscopes in a 28-minute cycle. High-level disinfection is accomplished using Acecide-C®, a peracetic acid-based disinfectant. It also offers a cleaning cycle using a combination of EndoQuick alkaline detergent and an ultrasonic cleaning function. Research shows that this combination is the most effective way to remove foreign matter from the endoscope surface.

            The OER-Elite also guides the user with step-by-step illustrated instructions on a smart user interface, assisted by color-coded, automatically monitored connections.

            By using the new Olympus OER-Elite, UF Health Leesburg Hospital is able to further its commitment to providing improved patient care and safety. For more information about the hospital’s surgical services, visit www.LeesburgHospital.org/surgery.