Reuse of single-use medical devices in the hospital setting
Keywords:
medical product, reuse of single-use medical products, patient safety, sterilization, health facilitiesAbstract
The reuse of single-use medical products is a controversial issue that involves pharmacists responsible for sterilization areas. Currently, national regulation allows reuse under specific conditions and covers 9 critical medical products considered single-use, sterile and free of pyretogens, according to Resolution 255/94. This field study investigated the reality in 70 high, medium and low risk health facilities, revealing that the practice of reuse exceeds the limits established by current regulations. These findings suggest the need for a comprehensive and in-depth review of the topic to ensure safety and compliance with established standards in medical care. The discrepancy between regulation and current practice highlights the importance of addressing this issue comprehensively to improve management and ensure quality in the sterilization of medical products and patient safety.
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