Reuse of Disposables: Is It Worth The Risk?

Abstract

The main reason institutions reuse single use medical devices is to save money. Most hospitals are reusing disposables in varying degrees, but few have thoroughly investigated the issues surrounding reuse. Are there true savings to be realized? What are the risks to patients and coworkers? What are the legal and liability hazards to our employers and to ourselves?

Professional nurses have a responsibility as patient advocates and employees to question the Validity of the reuse of medical devices which are manufactured to be used only once. By reusing disposables are we really cutting costs, or are we cutting corners?