Why automating endoscope pre-cleaning is the future of safe, consistent decontamination
Posted 4/09/2026
Flexible endoscopes are among the most valuable and complex medical devices used within healthcare. Every day they support life-changing diagnosis and treatment across gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, urology and many other specialities.
However, their intricate internal channels and delicate construction also make them one of the most challenging medical devices to decontaminate safely.
While automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) have transformed the disinfection stage of reprocessing, one part of the workflow has traditionally remained heavily dependent on manual practice: pre-cleaning.
As endoscopy services continue to experience increasing demand, many departments are now asking an important question:
Can the critical first stage of endoscope reprocessing be made more consistent, more efficient and more reliable?
The answer is increasingly becoming yes.
Why pre-cleaning matters so much
Every successful endoscope reprocessing cycle begins long before an instrument enters an automated endoscope reprocessor.
Pre-cleaning removes organic material, helps prevent drying of contaminants and prepares the endoscope for the subsequent cleaning and disinfection stages.
If this initial process is inconsistent, every stage that follows becomes more difficult.
Healthcare organisations work incredibly hard to standardise reprocessing procedures because consistency directly contributes to:
- Patient safety
- Infection prevention
- Instrument protection
- Regulatory compliance
- Reliable documentation
Even highly trained staff can experience variation during manual pre-cleaning, particularly in busy endoscopy units where time pressures are significant.
Reducing that variation is becoming an important focus across healthcare.
The challenges of manual endoscope pre-cleaning
Traditional manual pre-cleaning relies heavily on operator technique.
Variables can include:
- Detergent concentration
- Contact time
- Leak testing
- Documentation
- Sequence of cleaning steps
- Traceability
Although departments follow established protocols, manual processes naturally introduce opportunities for variation.
Automation helps remove many of these variables by performing critical functions consistently, every cycle.
What is an Automated Endoscope Precleaning System?
An Automated Endoscope Precleaning System (AEPS) automates the first stage of endoscope reprocessing before the endoscope progresses into the automated endoscope reprocessor.
Rather than replacing existing workflows, it strengthens them by delivering greater consistency throughout the pre-cleaning process.
The Gandy AEPS 10G, distributed exclusively in the UK by Serchem, has been designed specifically to automate this critical stage by standardising detergent dosing, leak testing and traceability whilst improving operational efficiency.
How the Gandy AEPS 10G improves consistency
One of the biggest advantages of automation is repeatability.
The Gandy AEPS 10G has been developed to ensure each pre-cleaning cycle follows the same validated process, reducing unnecessary variation between users.
Key capabilities include:
Automated detergent dosing
Manual detergent preparation can vary between users.
The AEPS uses peristaltic pump technology to provide precise, automated detergent dosing throughout every cycle, removing guesswork and helping achieve consistent cleaning performance.
Automated leak testing
Protecting valuable flexible endoscopes is just as important as cleaning them.
The system performs a leak test at the first stage of the manual clean, the process will alert the user to a leak before the endoscope touches the water, with visual and audible queues. More importantly when a leak is detected the cycle is stopped to prevent any further damage to the endoscope.
Complete digital traceability
Modern healthcare requires robust documentation.
The AEPS includes integrated traceability through:
- Built-in printer
- USB connectivity
- Ethernet connection
- Barcode and RFID compatibility
This helps departments maintain comprehensive records while supporting regulatory compliance.
Supporting NHS sustainability goals
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across healthcare.
The Gandy AEPS has been designed to reduce unnecessary waste by eliminating additional chemical use and preventing expensive tubing from being discarded after every use.
Instead, tubing can be disconnected at the end of the day and connected to the automated endoscope reprocessor where it is disinfected overnight using either thermal or chemical disinfection.
This reduces waste while supporting the NHS Greener Endoscopy initiative.
Designed to fit existing workflows
Introducing new technology shouldn’t mean replacing existing equipment.
The AEPS has been designed with universal compatibility, allowing connection to standard washer-disinfectors without requiring new accessories.
Additional features include:
- Up to three programmable pre-cleaning cycles
- Optional internal pipe rinsing
- Removable autoclavable tubing
- Intuitive 7-inch touchscreen
- Intelligent automated control logic
- Visual and audible alarm system
These features help reduce manual workload while making day-to-day operation straightforward for busy endoscopy teams.
Data that supports continuous improvement
One increasingly valuable feature is the optional Gandy i.E Link platform.
This secure web-based system allows departments to archive, analyse and monitor reprocessing data from connected equipment.
Functions include:
- Machine management
- User access controls
- Data filtering
- CSV exports
- Alarm notifications
- System configuration
- Audit logs
For departments focused on quality assurance and compliance, centralised digital records provide valuable oversight and simplify reporting.
Why Serchem chose Gandy
At Serchem, our role goes beyond supplying products.
As the exclusive UK distributor for the Gandy Automated Endoscope Precleaning System, we work with healthcare providers to deliver practical solutions that improve safety, efficiency and compliance.
The AEPS complements Serchem’s wider portfolio of specialist chemistry, endoscopy solutions and technical support, helping departments strengthen every stage of the decontamination process.
Because successful infection prevention isn’t achieved through individual products alone – it’s achieved through complete, reliable systems that support healthcare professionals every day.
You can download our Gandy AEPS brochure here https://www.serchem.com/brochure-request/?brochure=aeps10g
Frequently Asked Questions
What is endoscope pre-cleaning?
Endoscope pre-cleaning is the first stage of endoscope reprocessing, carried out immediately after use to remove contaminants and prepare the instrument for automated cleaning and high-level disinfection.
Why automate endoscope pre-cleaning?
Automation helps improve consistency, reduce manual variation, standardise detergent dosing, automate leak testing and enhance traceability throughout the reprocessing workflow.
Can the Gandy AEPS work with existing washer-disinfectors?
Yes. The system has been designed with universal compatibility for integration with standard washer-disinfectors without requiring new accessories.
Does the AEPS support traceability?
Yes. The system includes digital traceability through integrated printing, USB, Ethernet and barcode/RFID functionality, with additional data management available through Gandy i.E Link.
Supporting safer endoscope reprocessing
As healthcare continues to demand greater consistency, efficiency and compliance, automation is becoming an increasingly important part of endoscope reprocessing.
By standardising one of the most critical stages in the workflow, the Gandy AEPS 10G helps departments improve repeatability, reduce manual variation and support high standards of patient safety.
As the exclusive UK distributor, Serchem is proud to provide not only the technology itself but also the technical expertise and ongoing support that healthcare professionals rely on every day.
