FDA Advises against Use of Certain Multiple-Use Endoscope Connectors

​Physicians should not use 24-hour multi-patient-use endoscope connectors because of the risk of cross-contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns in an April 18, 2018, safety alert. To reduce cross-contamination and the potential spread of infections between patients, endoscope connectors should not allow patient fluids to flow backward into the endoscope. Research reviewed by the Agency demonstrated that 24-hour multi-patient use endoscope were not safe and urged healthcare providers to use either single-use or reusable endoscope connectors.