Single-use or reusable endoscopes: how hospitals should compare

Single use vs reusable endoscope: how the models differ

A reusable endoscope is bought once and reprocessed after every patient according to the manufacturer's instructions, through manual cleaning, high-level disinfection or sterilization, drying and storage. A disposable endoscope is supplied sterile and discarded after one patient, which removes reprocessing but creates a recurring purchase.

A single-use endoscope is not the same as a disposable accessory such as a biopsy forceps or a sheath; see endoscopy disposables for those. The question here is the scope itself, usually a flexible one.

Infection control and reprocessing risk

The strongest argument for single-use scopes is that they remove the risk of failed reprocessing, which is difficult for scopes with narrow channels or complex distal ends. Disposable scopes are also available immediately, which helps in emergencies and out-of-hours work.

Reusable scopes can be safe when the process is controlled: validated cleaning, leak testing, automated reprocessing, drying and storage with documented traceability. If you keep reusable scopes, invest in training and equipment; see flexible endoscope reprocessing steps and automated endoscope reprocessors.

Cost per procedure and logistics

Compare total costs, not unit prices. For a reusable scope, include purchase, reprocessing labour, detergents and disinfectants, washer-disinfector, storage, repair, loan scopes, depreciation and downtime. For a disposable scope, include the purchase price per case, storage space, stock management and waste disposal.

As a rule, low and unpredictable volumes favour disposables because there is no idle capital and no reprocessing capacity needed, while high and steady volumes usually favour reusable scopes. Run the calculation with your own numbers; our article on flexible endoscope price helps with the reusable side.

• Reusable cost items: capital, repair, reprocessing labour, consumables, space, downtime.
• Single-use cost items: purchase per case, stock management, waste handling.
• Hidden items: staff training, quality monitoring, scopes out for repair.

Image quality, performance and sustainability

Image quality, manoeuvrability, channel size and tool compatibility differ between products. Test the specific disposable scope against your needs, as capabilities vary by speciality and by model. Do not assume that all single-use scopes match all reusable ones, or the opposite.

Environmental impact also matters. Disposable scopes generate plastic and electronic waste for every case, whereas reusable scopes use water, energy and chemicals for reprocessing. Evidence on the relative footprint is still developing, so ask suppliers for their data and for take-back or recycling options.

Before adopting any disposable scope, ask about shelf life, storage conditions, compatibility with your processors and monitors, and the supplier's ability to guarantee stock during supply disruptions. A pilot with a limited number of cases gives better evidence than a brochure.

A practical decision framework

Many hospitals use a hybrid model: reusable scopes for routine volume, disposable scopes for isolation cases, emergencies, out-of-hours lists or services without reprocessing capacity. Review the split every year as volumes and prices change.

Beckfinity distributes Richard Wolf reusable systems; see the Richard Wolf brand page. If you want help comparing options for your unit, contact our team through the contact page.