Clinical Updates — Clinical Updates
ASRS Joins other Ophthalmic Societies in Releasing a Multi-Society Position Statement on High-Level Disinfection of Ophthalmic Devices
Today, ASRS joins five other leading ophthalmic organizations in releasing a new multi-society position statement, “Assessment of the Necessity for High-Level Disinfection (HLD) of Reusable Ophthalmic Devices.” The statement challenges requirements imposed by regulatory agencies, such as The Joint Commission, that tonometry tips, ultrasound probes, and diagnostic and laser contact lenses routinely undergo HLD before reuse.
ASRS was represented on a multi-society HLD Task Force that reviewed published clinical evidence and conducted a large survey of ophthalmologists’ current practices for reprocessing reusable tonometry tips and diagnostic and laser contact lenses. The results of this new survey are published in the October issue of Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery and can be read and downloaded here. The most commonly used reprocessing methods were alcohol wiping for tonometry tips and either alcohol wiping or soap and water for diagnostic and laser contact lenses. Reports of adenoviral transmission associated with device reuse were extremely rare, and no published evidence was identified that these devices transmit serious ocular infections.
Routine chemical HLD increases healthcare costs, reduces clinical productivity, generates additional plastic and chemical waste, and can damage reusable ophthalmic devices. The multi-society position statement calls on manufacturers, policymakers, and accrediting organizations to revise current requirements to allow greater physician discretion in selecting the most clinically appropriate method for reprocessing these reusable ophthalmic devices.
“Until now, our profession has lacked a unified, evidence-based position statement that clinicians and facilities could cite when developing and defending their reprocessing policies,” said David F. Chang, MD, who co-chaired the HLD Task Force with Irene C. Kuo, MD.
The position statement on HLD is jointly endorsed by ASRS, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Glaucoma Society, the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, and EyeSustain.