# Major Recall Alert: Olympus Air/Water Valves MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444 No Longer Compatible with OER-Pro and OER-Elite Endoscope Reprocessors
Olympus has issued an important recall for its air/water valves MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444, which are no longer compatible with OER-Pro and OER-Elite automated endoscope reprocessors for high-level disinfection. Healthcare providers must now adhere to updated reprocessing instructions to ensure safe use. If you use these products, it’s critical to understand these changes and take immediate action to comply with the recall guidelines.
Learn more about this recall and how it affects you below.
## Why This Recall is Important
This recall directly involves critical medical equipment used by healthcare providers for cleaning and disinfecting endoscopes. The affected air/water valves—MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444—are no longer capable of high-level disinfection when used with Olympus OER-Pro and OER-Elite automated endoscope reprocessors.
### Key Reasons for the Recall:
- The MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444 are now incompatible with OER-Pro and OER-Elite.
- Failure to adopt updated reprocessing methods may lead to inadequate disinfection.
- Patient and provider safety is at risk if proper sterilization protocols aren’t followed.
Medical professionals using these components should take immediate steps to review the updated Instructions for Use (IFU) and follow the revised cleaning protocols.
## Details of the Recall
Here are the important details you need to know about this Olympus product recall:
- **Category**: CAN-certified medical devices
- **Brand**: Olympus
- **Products Affected**:
- Air/Water Valves (MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444)
- OER-Pro Endoscope Reprocessor
- OER-Elite Endoscope Reprocessor
- Reusable Suction Valves
- **Date Announced**: October 2023
- **Issue**: The MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444 air/water valves can no longer be processed using OER-Pro and OER-Elite automated reprocessors. New cleaning protocols must now be followed as per the updated IFU.
The recall highlights the need for vigilance when managing medical sterilization equipment, as incompatible cleaning methods can compromise patient safety, expose healthcare facilities to risks, and potentially incur legal liabilities.
For official details on the recall, visit the [Government of Canada’s recall page](https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/olympus-maj-1443-and-maj-1444-valves).
## What You Should Do
If you are a healthcare professional or use these products, here’s what you need to do immediately:
- **Stop Using the OER-Pro or OER-Elite for High-Level Disinfection of MAJ-1443/MAJ-1444 Valves**: These components are no longer compatible.
- **Follow Updated Reprocessing Instructions**:
- Carefully review Olympus’s revised IFU documentation.
- Implement alternative reprocessing methods specified by Olympus.
- **Contact Olympus for Assistance**: Reach out to Olympus customer support if you have questions or require further help with reprocessing procedures.
- **Check Your Inventory**: Ensure that all affected products are identified and set aside for updated cleaning protocols.
Taking these steps can help prevent health risks associated with the improper disinfection of medical devices.
## Stay Safe – Get Instant Recall Alerts
To safeguard yourself against future risks and recalls, stay informed with real-time updates. Protect your patients, clients, or family by downloading an app that notifies you of essential product safety recalls as soon as they happen.
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Stay proactive about your safety and compliance with the latest developments in medical device maintenance. Don’t wait—start protecting your health and your patients today.
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This Olympus recall serves as an urgent reminder to always stay updated on product compatibility and cleaning guidelines to ensure optimal safety. Be sure to follow the new IFU and take immediate steps to align your practices with the recall requirements. For complete details, [click here](https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/olympus-maj-1443-and-maj-1444-valves).