Background:Hospital-based reprocessing practices for endoscopic accessories (EAs) have been studied;little is known about the reprocessing of EAs when endoscopy is performed in an office setting. Most EAs enter the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa, and hence are classified as critical medical devices in the Spaulding scheme. ASGE Guidelines(GL)[1988]classify biopsy forceps in this manner. Such EAs, therefore, require sterilization prior to re-use. OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree that practicing gastroenterologists (GIs) are familiar with the ASGE GL for infection control during GI endoscopy, and to study how EAs used in office endoscopy are reprocessed. METHODS: GIs who perform office-based endoscopy were recruited at a regional CME course to complete an anonymous survey concerning practice characteristics, hospital affiliations, and details about the practice of endoscopy in their office, including EA reprocessing. RESULTS: 25 GIs responded. Mean age: 44 years (32-59). Type of practice: 12 GI-only group, 10 solo practitioner, 3 multi-specialty group. Hospital affiliation: 17 Community, 5 Hospital with GI fellowship program, 3 Medical School Hospital. 17/25 (68%) reported being familiar and 8/25 (32%) were not familiar with the ASGE GL for infection control during endoscopy. All 25 GIs used reusable biopsy forceps; 16 GIs used snares in their office. Table 1. CONCLUSIONS: (1)ASGE GL for infection control are not well known (2) ASGE GL for infection control do not impact on EA reprocessing practice during office-based endoscopy (3) The concept of a "critical medical device" is not well understood (4) GIs perceive that snares require a "higher level" of reprocessing than do biopsy forceps (5) Additional education is needed concerning the reprocessing of EAs in office-based endoscopy.