Olympus launches OER-Pro automated endoscope reprocessor

New OER-Pro fills market need for validated, cost-effective, automated reprocessor

Olympus, a precision technology leader, designing and delivering innovative solutions in medical and surgical products, today announced the launch of the OER-Pro, the fastest technology in automated endoscope reprocessing and the only reprocessor on the market designed by an endoscope manufacturer. Though compact, the new reprocessor can simultaneously clean and disinfect two flexible endoscopes in 29 minutes -- faster than any other model. The OER-Pro also has numerous safety features including sensor technology that performs automated detection functions, and the ability to automatically shut down operation if a leak is detected in the machine. Automation along with faster reprocessing allows facilities a more rapid turnaround time for scopes.

"By offering a validated endoscope reprocessor, Olympus assures its customers effective reprocessing of their Olympus endoscopes and compatibility of their endoscopes, disinfectant and automated endoscope reprocessor (AER)," said Bradley Catalone, MBA, Ph.D., director of clinical affairs at Olympus America Inc. "There often are inconsistencies between the reprocessing instructions provided by the endoscope manufacturer and the AER manufacturer; inadequately cleaned endoscopes prior to the use of the AER; and users of AERs reprocessing endoscopes that should not be processed in those AERs. Olympus can help customers avoid those problems by offering an automated reprocessor which is designed specifically for our endoscopes and includes technologies that are completely compatible with each other. Now, the same engineering and quality customers have come to expect in Olympus imaging devices are integrated into the OER-Pro."

The OER-Pro automates manual flushing of endoscope channels, the most difficult and variable part of the endoscope cleaning process. Facilities still will need to complete pre-cleaning, leakage testing and a modified manual cleaning process prior to the use of the OER-Pro to ensure the proper reprocessing.

The new reprocessor uses a high-level disinfectant called Aldahol, which has been demonstrated to have enhanced mycobactericidal and sporicidal activity relative to other aldehyde-based disinfectants. Distributed exclusively through Olympus, Aldahol is rapidly active against all vegetative bacteria, fungi, virus types, and mycobacteria. Because there are safety concerns related to the use of all chemicals used to disinfect flexible endoscope, the OER-Pro is fitted with charcoal filters that absorb chemical vapors to minimize staff exposure.

Olympus' OER-Pro is also equipped with a simple-to-use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) management system, which records the scope serial and model numbers, operator and time of reprocessing to eliminate cumbersome manual input from a keypad or barcode.