DISPOSABLE VERSUS REUSABLE BIOPSY FORCEPS - A PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF COSTS

Background: Disposable biopsy forceps have been heavily marketed as co st-effective, convenient, and safer to use than conventional forceps. Methods: In an attempt to define whether disposable or reusable biopsy forceps were cheaper to use, we prospectively evaluated the purchase price, number of uses, repair record, and cleaning costs of all reusab le biopsy forceps used in the outpatient endoscopy unit of a large mul tispecialty clinic. Results: Over a 12-month period, 1581 biopsy sessi ons were undertaken. Seventeen of 119 forceps required $1890 in repair s over the study period (an average of $1.20 per biopsy session). Clea ning costs, including technician processing and steam autoclave, appro ximated $3.46 per use, increasing to $5.61 per use if glutaraldehyde s oak was substituted for steam autoclave. Conclusions: Assuming a sixfo ld difference in purchase price between reusable and disposable forcep s, and a per-use repair and cleaning cost of $1.20 and $3.46, respecti vely, reusable biopsy forceps became cost-effective after seven uses i n our institution.