Automated Leak Testing vs. Manual Leak Testing: What's Best for Endoscope Reprocessing?
Reprocessing flexible endoscopes is one of the most critical steps in preventing healthcare-associated infections—and also one of the most complex. Between cleaning, disinfection, and drying, leak testing is often seen as just another checkbox. But when done improperly—or skipped altogether—it can compromise not just the endoscopes, but the entire patient care process.
Manual leak testing methods still dominate in many hospitals despite their known limitations. However, as clinical expectations rise and surgical technologies evolve, there is a growing need for more reliable, standardized, and traceable solutions. Therefore, it's a good time to ask: Is relying on manual leak testing still enough?
Why is Leak Testing So Important
Endoscopes contain complex internal components—such as fiber bundles, CCD or CMOS chips, and angulation wires—that must remain thoroughly dry after each use to prevent microbial growth and internal corrosion. Effective endoscope cleaning and disinfection depends on preventing fluid ingress during reprocessing.
Endoscopes are not inherently waterproof. Their fluid resistance depends on the integrity of membranes, O-rings, and sealing gaskets, and all are prone to wear and degradation over time. When these barriers fail, it can lead to serious reprocessing issues—as discussed in this article on what happens when endoscope reprocessing fails.
This is where leak testing becomes critical. Even a tiny, undetected leak can allow fluid to enter during cleaning, leading to:
- Damage to internal components
- Biofilm accumulation and potential cross-contamination
- Failed disinfection cycles
- Expensive repairs and endoscope downtime
Manual vs. Automated Leak Testing: What's the Difference?
The manual bubble test—pressurizing the endoscope and observing for air bubbles—is still widely used. While simple and familiar, it lacks precision compared to automated medical device testing.
Let’s break down how manual testing compares with automated leak detection:
| Factor | Manual leak test | Automated leak test |
| Operator Dependence |
Yes |
No |
| Sensitivity | Low | High |
| Test Duration | 5–10 minutes | 1-2 minutes |
| Traceability | Usually none | Yes |
| Consistency | Varies | Standardized |
Benefits of Automated Leak Detection in Healthcare
Automated leak detection isn't just about adding new technology—it's about strengthening an essential step in the reprocessing workflow. Rather than relying on a process that can vary depending on who performs it, automation brings consistency, objectivity, and accountability to leak testing.
By precisely measuring pressure decay, modern systems like Dovideq’s LeakControl can detect even the smallest deviations—those that might go unnoticed in a manual bubble test. Each result is recorded, traceable, and tied to specific endoscopes and users, creating a clear audit trail and enabling early intervention before issues escalate.
And from a financial perspective, the impact is significant as well. Each reprocessing cycle can cost between €29 and €40, according to findings from the Process Cost Analysis: Reprocessing of Flexible Endoscopes in the CSSD. When leaks go undetected, repeating cycles and fixing damage can quickly add up.
Could Your Leak Testing Be Putting Your Endoscopes at Risk?
Are you wondering if your current process catches every issue, or if it’s time to upgrade? Take this short quiz to discover whether your leak testing process meets today’s standards.
Leak Test Smarter with LeakControl
In healthcare, safety, efficiency, and sustainability all extremely important. Automated leak detection like Dovideq's LeakControl supports all three by:
- Reducing patient risk with better leak detection
- Preventing costly delays and repairs
- Extending the life of your endoscopes and cutting down on waste
LeakControl builds on these benefits with fewer endoscope repairs thanks to the prevention of water ingress, full integration into dry or wet leak test protocols, and automatic documentation.
Turning leak testing into a reliable, data-driven process helps keep infection control standards high and makes your workflow smoother.
Book a demo to learn how automated leak testing with LeakControl can improve endoscope reprocessing efficiency, reduce failures, and enhance infection control compliance. 👇
Have thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear from you! Share your insights in the comments below and join the conversation! 👇
