Removable, disposable endcaps have significantly reduced the risk for infection in duodenoscopes. However, user error in securing the parts can present a new patient safety issue.
The FDA started recommending that healthcare facilities move away from fixed endcaps and adopt the use of disposable endcaps in 2019 as one strategy to reduce the risk for infection.
But if disposable endcaps, including distal covers and elevator endcaps, are damaged or not properly placed before a scope is used, the