ST91 Compliance: Endoscope Drying and Storage Done Right  

Key Takeaways

• ST91 Compliance Is Critical: The revised ST91:2021 guidelines have placed increased emphasis on proper endoscope drying and storage as essential steps in preventing patient infections.
• Minimum Drying Requirements: Endoscope channels must be dried with pressure-regulated forced filtered air (instrument-grade or HEPA-filtered) for at least 10 minutes to prevent biofilm formation and microbial growth.
• Beyond Basic Storage: Purpose-built drying cabinets with positive pressurization and continuous airflow significantly reduce contamination risks compared to standard storage solutions.
• Capsa’s Solution: TruAir™ Cabinets provide the technology and reliability needed to achieve and maintain ST91 compliance while protecting your valuable endoscope investments.

The Critical Role of Proper Endoscope Drying

Endoscope reprocessing traditionally relies on manual cleaning and high-level disinfection, but the revised ST91:2021 guidelines emphasize the importance of proper drying and storage. This heightened focus stems from a clear understanding: residual moisture in endoscope channels creates an environment where organic residues and infectious materials can multiply, potentially endangering patients. Proper drying isn’t just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a crucial safeguard ensuring patient-ready scopes.

Capsa Healthcare’s TruAir™ Cabinets are purpose-built to meet these exacting standards, delivering the technology and reliability you need for full ST91 compliance.

Understanding ST91 Requirements for Endoscope Drying

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have established comprehensive guidelines for best practices in endoscope reprocessing. These standards specify:

• Forced Air Drying: Endoscope channels must be dried with pressure-regulated forced filtered air for a minimum of 10 minutes
• Air Quality Standards: Instrument air or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-filtered air is essential to prevent contamination and biofilm formation
• Extended Drying Time: This period should be extended if moisture remains visible
• Contamination Prevention: Proper drying significantly reduces the risk of microbial recontamination and biofilm formation by water-borne organisms

The FDA Position on Endoscope Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remains concerned about infection risks associated with reprocessed endoscopes. They recommend healthcare facilities follow specific protocols:

1. Precleaning, leak testing, cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and drying
2. Precleaning, leak testing, cleaning, and sterilization

Following recommended infection control practices isn’t optional—it’s essential. Additionally, facilities must report any adverse events related to endoscope use under medical device reporting regulations.

Endoscope Drying Cabinets: Key Features for Compliance

Well-designed endoscope drying cabinets provide several critical advantages that standard storage solutions cannot match:

• Pressure-Regulated Forced Air: HEPA-filtered air circulation helps internal lumens dry completely
• Positive Pressurization: Prevents environmental contaminants from entering the cabinet
• Contamination Prevention: Dramatically reduces risks of retained moisture and microbial growth
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps facilities meet and maintain ST91 requirements

Recent research published in the American Journal of Infection Control has further validated the importance of proper drying techniques in preventing fluid retention in endoscopes, providing additional evidence for the efficacy of forced-air drying systems.

Implementation Strategies for ST91 Compliance

Facilities have options when implementing endoscope drying solutions:

Phased Implementation

You can minimize initial costs by acquiring one scope drying cabinet and then storing reprocessed endoscopes in standard storage cabinets. However, be aware that requirements may evolve to mandate continuous drying during storage.

Placement Considerations

Drying and storage cabinets should be positioned away from washing basins to prevent contamination from water splashing. This seemingly simple placement decision plays a significant role in maintaining endoscope integrity.

Beyond Basic Storage

The benefits of proper drying cabinets extend beyond regulatory compliance—they enhance patient safety, reduce infection risks, and protect your facility’s valuable endoscope investments. Learn more about the six key reasons your facility needs endoscope drying cabinets

Key Takeaways

• ST91 Compliance: Endoscope channels require forced filtered air drying for at least 10 minutes to prevent microbial growth.
• Purpose-Built Solutions: Drying cabinets with positive pressurization provide significant advantages over standard storage.
• Implementation Flexibility: Start with one drying cabinet and expand as needed, making compliance achievable for any facility.
• Patient Safety: Proper drying directly impacts infection prevention, making it more than just a regulatory requirement.
• Capsa’s TruAir™ Cabinets: Engineered specifically to meet ST91 requirements while protecting your endoscope investment.

Take the Next Step Toward Full Compliance

Capsa Healthcare’s TruAir™ Cabinets deliver the performance and reliability healthcare facilities need to achieve and maintain ST91 compliance. Our solutions are engineered specifically to address the challenges of endoscope drying and storage, with features that enhance both safety and efficiency.

Contact our endoscope storage specialists today to discuss your facility’s specific compliance needs and discover how Capsa Healthcare can help you protect patients while streamlining your endoscope reprocessing workflow.