Which organization established standards for the effective processing of flexible endoscopes?

The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) has established standards specifically aimed at the effective processing of flexible endoscopes. Their guidelines are focused on ensuring safe and effective cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing practices for these complex medical instruments, which are commonly used in minimally invasive procedures. SGNA is a recognized authority in the gastroenterology field, and they provide educational resources, guidelines, and standards that help healthcare professionals maintain high levels of safety and efficacy in patient care.

Other organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have important roles in setting broader infection control practices and regulations in healthcare settings, but the SGNA is particularly known for the detailed standards related to the processing of flexible endoscopes. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) also deals with infection prevention, but it does not have the same specific focus on endoscope processing standards. Thus, SGNA's expertise is directly aligned with the question's focus on flexible endoscopes.