Many units rely on the leak test performed by the washer-disinfector to identify endoscope leaks. In this case, however, the key issue is the timing of the test. The main purpose of leak testing is to detect damage before the endoscope is exposed to water. According to manufacturers’ and authorities’ guidelines, leak testing must be performed after every use and before manual cleaning.
The leak test in the washer-disinfector is not enough on its own
Most AER washer-disinfectors perform a leak test, but from the perspective of protecting the device, the test takes place too late. Because it is part of the washing process, a possible leak may only be detected once the endoscope has already been exposed to liquid. By that point, moisture may already have entered the device’s structures, which can increase the extent of the damage, raise repair needs, and shorten the service life of the device.
Many assume that the automated washing process takes care of leak testing, making a separate pre-test unnecessary. The test carried out in the machine is certainly part of the overall process, but it does not replace the check performed before cleaning. The real benefit of leak testing comes from identifying possible damage before the endoscope enters the water.
This is exactly why pre-cleaning leak testing is such an important part of protecting the endoscope. It helps detect a possible leak early, before liquid exposure has a chance to worsen the damage.
If a leak is detected only during washing, the consequences may include:
- permanent damage to internal components
- significantly higher repair costs
- longer downtime
- more complicated servicing needs
Manual leak testing leaves room for interpretation
In many units, leak testing is still carried out manually, which means the outcome depends heavily on the user, the situation, and how consistently the test is performed every time. Visual inspection, manual pressure monitoring, and varying working methods all increase the risk of human variation. This is a familiar challenge, especially in busy environments where the same steps need to be carried out reliably day after day.
That is why automation is becoming increasingly important in many units. Its purpose is not only to speed up the work, but also to standardize it. When the test is performed in the same way every time, the result is more consistent and leak testing becomes easier to integrate into everyday routine.
Automated and standardized testing removes guesswo
LeakControl is a device developed for automated leak testing. It is connected to the endoscope before the device is moved into the water bath, and the leak test is started before manual cleaning. The device measures pressure over time and indicates clearly whether the endoscope is leaking. Guidelines state that testing must be carried out before manual cleaning so that leaks can be detected early enough.
The benefits of automated leak testing are easy to understand. If a leak is detected before cleaning, the endoscope is not exposed to water and any possible damage can be stopped in time. LeakControl helps identify even small leaks during pre-cleaning. This means the issue can be addressed before it leads to a more extensive repair need or, in the worst case, the end of the device’s usable life.
A fault found early usually means a smaller repair, shorter downtime, and a longer service life. A liquid damage incident in a flexible endoscope can result in significant costs. For that reason, leak testing should not be seen as an extra work step, but as a way to protect the device investment. When a leak is found before cleaning, larger damage can be avoided, maintenance costs can be reduced, and the device lifecycle can be managed more effectively.
Summary
The leak test performed in the washer-disinfector does not replace testing carried out before cleaning; it complements it. Systematic and documented leak testing helps protect valuable endoscopes, prevent liquid damage, and extend device lifespan. It also makes leak testing a more consistent, repeatable, and easier
Contact us to improve leak testing for flexible endoscopes in your unit. We help you assess your current workflow and find solutions that reduce risk, simplify daily routines, and support safe, cost-effective device management.
