--- title: "Endoscope Readiness: ST91 Compliance is a Strategic Imperative" description: Explore how TruAir™ Endoscope Drying and Storage Cabinets can help you meet AAMI/ANSI ST91:2021 standards . Shop CME for Capsa endoscope cabinets. image: https://blog.cmecorp.com/hubfs/_FY2025%20Blog%20Featured%20Image%20Template%20(3).jpg --- - Welcome! - [Sign In](https://www.cmecorp.com/customer/account/login/referer/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY21lY29ycC5jb20v/) - or - [Create an Account](https://www.cmecorp.com/customer/account/create/) - [![](https://www.cmecorp.com/media/public/icons8-phone-50.png) 800.338.2372](tel:8003382372) [![CME Corp](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CME_CORP_LOGO_FIN_2018_PMS_300dpi-1.png?width=1331&height=442&name=CME_CORP_LOGO_FIN_2018_PMS_300dpi-1.png "CME Corp")](http://www.cmecorp.com) [Find My Account Manager](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/contact-us.html) | [Contact Us](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/contact-us.html) Search: ![](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hubfs/_images/search-icon.jpg) [![](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_images/mini-cart.jpg?width=23&height=21&name=mini-cart.jpg)](http://www.cmecorp.com/checkout/cart/) - [CME Expertise](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise.html) - [Hospitals / IDNs](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/hospitals.html) - [Laboratory](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/laboratory.html) - [Imaging](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/imaging.html) - [Pharmacy & Compounding Pharmacy](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/pharmacy-and-compounding-pharmacy.html) - [Surgery Centers](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/surgery-centers.html) - [Clinics](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/clinics.html) - [Physician Offices](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/physician-offices.html) - [Behavioral Health Facilities](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/behavioral-health.html) - [Long Term Care](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/long-term-care.html) - [Rehabilitation Centers](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/rehabilitation.html) - [Government Services](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/government.html) - [Emergency Medical Services](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/emergency-medical-services.html) - [Integrated Services](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services.html) - [CAD-Based Layout & Design](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/cad-based-layout-and-design.html) - [Project Management](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/project-management.html) - [Direct-to-Site Services](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/direct-to-site-services.html) - [Biomedical Services & Technical Solutions](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/biomedical-services.html) - [Contractor Specialties](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/contractor-specialties.html) - [Find Products](https://www.cmecorp.com/shop.html) - [Shop By Category](https://www.cmecorp.com/new-shop/shop-by-category.html) - [Shop By Manufacturer](https://www.cmecorp.com/new-shop/brands.html) - [Digital Solutions Guide](https://cmesolutionsguide.com/) # Endoscope Readiness: ST91 Compliance is a Strategic Imperative [![](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hubfs/_FY2025%20Blog%20Featured%20Image%20Template%20(3).jpg)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/endoscope-readiness-st91-compliance-is-a-strategic-imperative) By [Capsa Healthcare](https://blog.cmecorp.com/author/capsa-healthcare) | May 13, 2025 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As regulatory standards evolve and infection prevention becomes increasingly outcome-driven, healthcare organizations are re-examining every phase of endoscope reprocessing. The revised **AAMI/ANSI ST91:2021** standard reinforces a critical insight: **effective drying and controlled storage are as essential to patient safety as disinfection.** In this post we will explore why regulatory standards are focusing in endoscope drying and patient safety and how you can stay compliant. ## Reframing Endoscope Drying as a Risk-Control Strategy Endoscope reprocessing has long emphasized manual cleaning and high-level disinfection. However, emerging clinical evidence confirms that **residual moisture can allow microbial colonization, including biofilm formation**, even after thorough disinfection. This insight has led to elevated attention to the drying and storage phases - steps that now carry explicit expectations in the updated ST91 standard. ### Key Requirements Under ST91:2021 - Internal channels must be flushed with **forced, pressure-regulated filtered air**—either instrument-grade or **HEPA-filtered**—for **a minimum of 10 minutes** - **Positive pressure cabinets** must maintain continuous airflow to prevent environmental contamination - Visible moisture is no longer tolerable; scopes must be **visibly dry prior to storage** These expectations are not abstract recommendations - they reflect the consensus of infection prevention authorities and align with the **U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s** guidance on endoscope safety protocols. ## Building Standardization into the Endoscope Drying Process While disinfection workflows have matured through years of standardization and training, **drying practices have varied widely across care settings**, often depending on available infrastructure or manual processes. The ST91 revision creates an opportunity to bring drying protocols up to the same level of **repeatability and assurance**. ### How TruAir™ Helps Facilities Operationalize Compliance To support changing regulatory standards, Capsa Healthcare developed the [**TruAir™ Endoscope Drying and Storage Cabinet**](https://www.cmecorp.com/shop/shop-by-category/furniture/cabinetry-casework-and-sinks/capsa-healthcare-sas-4018-secure-a-scope-metal-storage-full-cabinet-41-wide-with-locking-hinged-doors-with-glass-windows-holds-18-large-diameter-scopes.html) - a system that transforms drying from a variable task into a consistent, compliant, and documentable process. TruAir™ helps healthcare teams meet ST91 with confidence, without adding friction to existing workflows. **TruAir™ Cabinets are engineered to support this shift with precision:** - **Pressure-regulated drying modules** deliver consistent airflow into internal scope channels, supporting full lumen dryness within the mandated timeframe - **Sealed, HEPA-filtered environments** eliminate risk of airborne contamination, even in high-traffic reprocessing areas - **Positive pressurization with automated airflow cycles** ensures scopes remain protected long after reprocessing ends - **Built-in tracking and compliance verification** streamline reporting and support audit-readiness Together, these engineering features move drying and storage from guesswork to **standardized practice**—ensuring each scope that enters service is safe, dry, and patient-ready.   ## Strategic Endoscope Storage Deployment Without Workflow Disruption Endoscope storage upgrades are often viewed as capital-intensive or logistically complex. But Capsa’s approach prioritizes **scalable integration** that works with your existing resources and reprocessing layout. Facilities can begin with a **phased deployment model** - focusing on high-throughput units or flagged compliance gaps - and gradually expand coverage. TruAir™ Cabinets are available in a range of **form factors and drying capacities**, enabling right-sized selection based on procedure volume, scope inventory, and spatial constraints. Placement also matters. TruAir™ units are designed for positioning outside splash zones, reducing the risk of recontamination from nearby sinks or basins - an important consideration in busy sterile processing departments. ## Endoscope Storage Compliance That Pays Off The benefits of compliant endoscope drying and storage are measurable, not just regulatory: - **Reduced maintenance and repair costs**, thanks to drier scopes and lower fluid-related damage - **Improved scope availability**, with fewer delays from incomplete drying - **Enhanced audit-readiness**, with documentation features that support infection control protocols and accreditation needs - **Stronger patient safety outcomes**, as drying protocols become reliable and repeatable across every shift In short, a purpose-built solution like TruAir™ protects more than your scopes - it protects your patients, your staff, and your operating margin.   ## Partner with CME for TruAir™ Endoscope Drying and Storage Cabinets As the **United States’ largest specialty distributor solely focused on equipment used in healthcare**, we have built long standing relationships with industry leading manufacturers like Capsa Healthcare. Whether you are initiating your ST91 compliance journey or refining an existing program, CME and Capsa can help. Our expert account managers will work with you and Capsa representatives to help you upgrade your endoscope cabinets with scalable integration or design a new system tailored to your needs - so you remain in compliance with evolving regulatory standards.  ### Direct-To-Site Logistics and Delivery Services In addition to delivering your **TruAir™ endoscope drying and storage cabinets** assembled when it is convenient for staff, our in-house [Direct-to-Site services](https://blog.cmecorp.com/why-medical-facilities-need-medical-equipment-delivery-services)  teams will also deliver healthcare equipment to the service location in the facility so they are ready for immediate use.   ![FY2025 LinkedIn Post-1](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FY2025%20LinkedIn%20Post-1.jpg?width=21&height=21&name=FY2025%20LinkedIn%20Post-1.jpg)Click CHAT to start the conversation about your endoscopy drying and storage cabinet needs. [Find your account manager](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/find-my-account-manager.html) and learn how CME can help you equip your facility with the endoscope drying and storage you need to remain in compliance with evolving regulatory standards and keep you in budget.   --- About Capsa Healthcare: Capsa Healthcare develops collaborative partnerships with providers across the healthcare continuum to design and implement solutions that address critical needs in hospital, acute care, extended care, and pharmacy operations. Their products span an array of use cases, including technology and equipment storage and mobility, medication management, and pharmacy automation. At the center of Capsa’s mission is a deeply held conviction that healthcare should be focused on patients. Every solution and product design is intended to help providers deliver effective care.  About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for [healthcare equipment](https://www.cmecorp.com/solutions/capital-equipment.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=cme%20insiders), layout and design, [turnkey logistics](https://www.cmecorp.com/solutions/direct-to-site-services.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=cme%20insiders), delivery, installation, and [biomedical services. We](https://www.cmecorp.com/solutions/biomedical-services.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=cme%20insiders) represent 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With offices and warehousing coast to coast, our mission is to help [healthcare facilities](https://www.cmecorp.com/who-we-serve.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=cme%20insiders) nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule. [Capital Medical Equipment](https://blog.cmecorp.com/topic/capital-medical-equipment) Written by [Capsa Healthcare](https://blog.cmecorp.com/author/capsa-healthcare) Capsa Healthcare has been a pioneer in the health IT, medication management and pharmacy automation industries for more than 60 years. ### Posts by Tag - [June 2017 (14)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/06) - [October 2017 (8)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/10) - [September 2023 (8)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/09) - [November 2015 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/11) - [December 2015 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/12) - [July 2017 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/07) - [September 2017 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/09) - [November 2017 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/11) - [October 2023 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/10) - [August 2026 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/08) - [August 2014 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/08) - [June 2016 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/06) - [February 2018 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/02) - [April 2018 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/04) - [May 2018 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/05) - [August 2025 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/08) - [July 2014 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/07) - [September 2014 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/09) - [January 2017 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/01) - [December 2017 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/12) - [November 2021 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/11) - [June 2023 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/06) - [August 2023 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/08) - [November 2023 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/11) - [January 2024 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/01) - [April 2024 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/04) - [August 2024 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/08) - [October 2024 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/10) - [January 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/01) - [April 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/04) - [May 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/05) - [July 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/07) - [September 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/09) - [April 2026 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/04) - [June 2026 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/06) - [September 2026 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/09) - [June 2014 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/06) - [December 2014 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/12) - [April 2015 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/04) - [May 2016 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/05) - [December 2016 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/12) - [February 2017 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/02) - [May 2020 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/05) - [March 2021 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/03) - [April 2021 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/04) - [May 2021 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/05) - [September 2021 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/09) - [August 2022 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/08) - [April 2023 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/04) - [May 2023 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/05) - [July 2023 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/07) - [December 2023 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/12) - [February 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/02) - [March 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/03) - [May 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/05) - [June 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/06) - [July 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/07) - [September 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/09) - [December 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/12) - [February 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/02) - [March 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/03) - [June 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/06) - [October 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/10) - [November 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/11) - [December 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/12) - [January 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/01) - [February 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/02) - [March 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/03) - [May 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/05) - [July 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/07) - [October 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/10) - [March 2014 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/03) - [April 2014 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/04) - [May 2014 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/05) - [May 2015 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/05) - [September 2015 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/09) - [October 2015 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/10) - [January 2016 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/01) - [April 2017 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/04) - [January 2018 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/01) - [July 2018 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/07) - [March 2019 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/03) - [June 2019 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/06) - [March 2020 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/03) - [June 2021 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/06) - [July 2021 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/07) - [March 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/03) - [May 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/05) - [June 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/06) - [September 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/09) - [November 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/11) - [February 2023 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/02) - [November 2024 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/11) - [October 2014 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/10) - [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/01) - [July 2015 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/07) - [August 2015 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/08) - [February 2016 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/02) - [March 2016 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/03) - [November 2016 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/11) - [May 2017 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/05) - [August 2017 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/08) - [March 2018 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/03) - [July 2019 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/07) - [January 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/01) - [February 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/02) - [August 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/08) - [September 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/09) - [October 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/10) - [February 2021 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/02) - [August 2021 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/08) - [October 2021 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/10) - [January 2022 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/01) - [April 2022 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/04) - [January 2023 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/01) - [March 2023 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/03) - [November 2014 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/11) - [February 2015 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/02) - [March 2015 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/03) - [April 2016 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/04) - [July 2016 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/07) - [August 2016 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/08) - [September 2016 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/09) - [March 2017 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/03) - [August 2018 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/08) - [September 2018 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/09) - [October 2018 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/10) - [January 2019 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/01) - [April 2019 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/04) - [April 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/04) - [June 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/06) - [July 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/07) - [November 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/11) - [December 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/12) - [July 2022 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/07) - [October 2022 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/10) - [December 2022 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/12) See all #### About CME Corp. - [Our Company](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/our-company.html) - [Careers](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/careers.html) #### Resources - [CME Insider's Blog](https://blog.cmecorp.com/) - [Case Studies](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/case-studies.html) - [Newsroom](https://blog.cmecorp.com/press-releases) - [Literature Resources](https://resources.cmecorp.com/) #### Quick Links - [Find Products](https://www.cmecorp.com/shop) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.cmecorp.com/privacy-policy-cookie-restriction-mode) - [Sales, Shipping & Return Policies](https://www.cmecorp.com/sales-shipping) - [Credit Application](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/credit-application.html) [![](https://www.cmecorp.com/media/public/linked_in_blog.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cme-medical/) [![](https://www.cmecorp.com/media/public/facebook_blog.png)](https://www.facebook.com/cmecorp/) [![](https://www.cmecorp.com/media/public/instagram_blog.png)](https://www.instagram.com/cme_corp/) © 2026 CME Corp - An ESOP Company Delivering a Better Experience