Elevating Sterile Processing Businesses Through Tailored Consulting Excellence
did not favor single-use laryngoscopes for intubation; instead, reusable laryngoscopes are favored for these two factors. 1
Environmental Impact
One of the primary concerns about disposable equipment is its environmental footprint. Single-use items contribute to medical waste, which must be carefully managed to avoid ecological harm.
Reusable instruments also have environmental costs. The energy and water required for sterilization, the chemicals used in cleaning, and the infrastructure needed for processing all contribute to a facility’ s environmental impact. Moreover, the wear and tear on reusable devices often leads to frequent replacements, generating waste in the form of broken or outdated equipment. However, the environmental impact of reusable instruments may be more favorable in comparison to disposables. Just like the example of the laryngoscopes for intubation, ECRI noted that the environmental impact of laparoscopic devices favored reuse. 1
Recent innovations in disposable technology are helping to address environmental concerns. Manufacturers are developing biodegradable materials and recyclable packaging to reduce waste. Some manufacturers have created recycling programs for disposable instruments.
Regulatory Compliance
Disposable equipment offers a straightforward path to comply with regulatory standards by eliminating many of the variables associated with reusable instruments. For example, the need to validate sterilization cycles would be eliminated if only disposable instruments were used. This simplification reduces the administrative burden and lowers the risk of non-compliance, which can result in fines, reputational damage, or even loss of accreditation.
However, reusable instruments, when managed properly, can also support regulatory compliance through robust sterilization protocols, optimized quality assurance programs, tracking systems, and proper staff education. Facilities that invest in high-quality processing workflows and proactive quality assessment and auditing maintain compliance while benefiting from the long-term cost savings and environmental sustainability that reusable instruments offer.
The decision to implement disposable instruments requires a thoughtful evaluation of environmental, logistical, financial, and regulatory considerations. While disposable equipment can offer advantages in infection control, operational efficiency, and regulatory simplicity, concerns about increased waste generation, device feel, clinical performance, and long-term costs are also valid. Healthcare organizations must weigh these factors carefully to determine the most appropriate approach for their facilities. In some cases, a hybrid model that incorporates both disposable and reusable instruments may provide the optimal balance between safety, sustainability, and efficiency in a complex and evolving healthcare environment.
Katherine Lunt, MPH, MBA, CIC, is a senior infection preventionist with ECRI.
Reference:
1. ECRI.( 2025, June 27). Impacts of Single Use vs Reused / Reprocessed Devices in Hospitals: Volume 3. Scopes and Surgical Devices. Retrieved from ECRI: https:// assets. secure. ctfassets. net / ngpu76uo6f86 / XJjdQOTP57hfkbfjRTMQX / 57a7f26ffc9f9fa61e731fe6c257548d / EPC _ HAI _ Report _ Volume _ 3 _ Scopes _ and _ Surgical _ Devices. pdf? token = eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9. eyJzdWIiOiJodHRwczovL2Fzc2V0cy5zZWN1cmUuY3RmYXNzZXRz
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