“Hang time” limits for flexible endoscopes

Ofstead’s CE webinars are now available via the Healthcare Sterile Process Association (HSPA) (eLearning.myhspa.org). See below for more information.” In September 2025, Ofstead & Associates entered into a partnership with the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) to provide access to high-quality sterile processing education. The full catalog of Ofstead’s webinars—addressing essential topics such as sterile processing, endoscope processing, quality management, and leveraging scientific evidence—is now available as part of the HSPA eLearning library. Healthcare professionals can access these webinars at eLearning.myhspa.org to stay current, earn CE credits, and maintain their CE transcript. To explore the complete webinar catalog, visit eLearning.myhspa.org, go to the “On-Demand Webinars,” and search for Ofstead under the Category menu. The acceptable length of time for storage between endoscope processing and patient use is controversial and depends on a lot of assumptions about processing effectiveness. In this video, Cori Ofstead, MSPH lays out the issues around endoscope “hang time” and provides some possible solutions. Please like and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any videos! And check out the other resources listed in this video, including: Ofstead 1-hour CE-eligible webinars: - Biofilm: A slimy microbial community that lives on medical devices https://ofstead.elevate.commpartners.com/products/biofilm-a-slimy-microbial-community-that-lives-on-medical-devices - Minimizing the risk of exposure, injury, and infection during bronchoscopy https://ofstead.elevate.commpartners.com/products/minimizing-the-risk-of-exposure-injury-and-infection-during-bronchoscopy YouTube: - Alcohol and endoscope drying: To flush or not to flush https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfBgOrk9e8U - Drying and drying verification tools https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEvb1tKuNAs - Residual moisture in flexible endoscopes: Ofstead study profile https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPZzpLddR4Y Peer-reviewed literature: - Ofstead et al. Residual moisture and waterborne pathogens inside flexible endoscopes: Evidence from a multisite study of endoscope drying effectiveness. AJIC. 2018;46(6):689-696. https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(18)30152-4/fulltext Ofstead & Associates, Inc. has published articles in peer-reviewed journals on a variety of topics, which are searchable here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?sort=date&term=Ofstead+CL&cauthor_id=36075293 -- Ofstead & Associates, Inc. specializes in designing and conducting real-world research to validate healthcare guidelines, treatments, product claims, and processes of care. Our critical insights deliver actionable solutions for multiple stakeholders. We are experts at performing customized translational research and developing tailored output for a diverse group of clients. To learn more about our work, check out our website: www.ofsteadinsights.com