Single-use versus reusable endoscopes for upper GI procedures
Single-use Versus Multiple-use Endoscopes in Gastroenterology: Multi Methods Analysis to Balancing Infection Control and Environmental Impact
This project will test whether single-use or reusable endoscopes are better for adults having an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in an NHS clinic.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Coventry) |
| Trial ID | NCT07014033 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project compares single-use (disposable) endoscopes with reusable, reprocessed endoscopes in NHS gastroenterology practice. Adults booked for upper GI endoscopy at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire will be invited to take part, and relevant endoscopy staff may also be included. Data collection focuses on patient and staff experiences, local device-use practices, and infection control considerations gathered through interviews and service observation. The work aims to clarify safety, contamination risk, cleaning burden, and practical implications of using disposable versus reusable scopes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) invited for an NHS upper GI endoscopy at the Coventry site who can read the information, give informed consent, and participate in an interview are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People having only lower GI procedures, patients treated outside the NHS (private clinics), those under 18, or those unable to consent or complete interviews are not eligible and may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help reduce infection risk and improve safety, workflow, and patient experience by identifying when single-use endoscopes are preferable.
How similar studies have performed: Prior reports have linked lapses in reprocessing reusable endoscopes to infections and some pilot studies suggest disposable scopes can reduce contamination risk, but robust comparative evidence is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients * Over the age of 18 * Patient has been invited to an NHS endoscopic clinic to undertake an upper GI endoscope procedure, including diagnostic endoscopies and the less complex therapeutic endoscopy. * Patient is able to read and understand information provided * Patient has capacity to provide consent * Patient is able to participate in an interview. Staff * Over the age of 18 * Employed by the NHS * Working in relevant endoscopy unit - primary work involves the conduct of endoscopy and/or waste disposal services (decontamination or disposal). Exclusion Criteria: * Patient has received a lower GI endoscopy, e.g. colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy * Non-NHS service providers and receivers. (e.g., private diagnostic clinics)
Where this trial is running
Coventry
- University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust — Coventry, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Violet Matthews
- Email: sumuendostudyoffice@uhcw.nhs.uk
- Phone: +442476 966197
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.