Top Endoscope Reprocessing Workstations 2026 – STERIS, Steelco, Mystaire & Pentax Compared

Endoscope reprocessing workstations are the core of healthcare infection control, and STERIS, Steelco, Mystaire and Pentax Medical are the top 2026 brands for optimal patient safety and regulatory compliance. This definitive buyer guide compares their key differences in automation, vapor protection, throughput and system integration, and teaches you how to select the perfect workstation for your clinical workflow.

Endoscope reprocessing workstations integrate sinks, automated disinfection systems, fume containment and drying functions to streamline pre-cleaning, high-level disinfection/sterilization, drying and storage—critical steps for FDA, CDC and AAMI compliance in endoscope reprocessing. Focused on 2026’s core market demands: automation, vapor protection, high throughput and seamless drying/storage integration, this comparison and buyer guide breaks down the four leading brands’ offerings, core strengths and clinical suitability, so you can make a fully informed procurement decision for your healthcare facility.

What is an Endoscope Reprocessing Workstation?

An endoscope reprocessing workstation is a specialized, often enclosed workspace or station designed to facilitate the safe and efficient manual (or semi-automated) cleaning and chemical handling steps in reprocessing reusable flexible endoscopes. These heat-sensitive instruments, used in procedures like colonoscopies and gastroscopies, must undergo thorough decontamination to remove bioburden (e.g., blood, tissue, mucus) and eliminate pathogens, preventing cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections.

The workstation primarily supports the critical manual cleaning phase—such as detailed brushing of channels, exterior wiping, soaking in detergents or high-level disinfectants—while prioritizing technician safety through features like vapor containment (ducted or ductless filtration to capture hazardous fumes from chemicals like glutaraldehyde or peracetic acid), ergonomic sinks, adjustable lighting, spill trays, and constant airflow. It complements automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) by providing a controlled, compliant environment for hands-on steps, adhering to guidelines from bodies like the CDC, FDA, and AAMI, and is especially valuable in smaller facilities or for enhancing operator protection during chemical exposure.

Best Endoscope Reprocessing Workstation Brands in 2026

1. STERIS

When it comes to the endoscope reprocessing workstation market, STERIS is the undisputed global leader in infection prevention and sterile processing. The STERIS endoscope reprocessing workstation is designed to be the backbone of a comprehensive endoscope reprocessing system, offering a full ecosystem that goes beyond just cleaning.

· Key Products: At the heart of their offering are Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AERs) like the Reliance™ series or ENSPIRE™ systems. These AER workstations utilize peracetic acid for rapid liquid chemical sterilization in approximately 18 minutes, even for complex scopes. The STERIS endoscope reprocessing system provides full-cycle support, integrating bedside pre-cleaning, detergents, drying cabinets, tracking software, and accessories into a seamless workflow.

· Workstation Aspects: While often modular, the STERIS endoscope reprocessing workstation excels in integration, combining sinks, AER bays, and vapor management. This endoscope cleaning and disinfection workstation focuses heavily on automation to reduce human error and ensure consistent High-Level Disinfection (HLD).

· Strengths:

o A broad ecosystem that includes compliance tools, SaaS dashboards, and outsourced services.

o The STERIS system places a strong emphasis on reducing infection risk for heat-sensitive endoscopes.

o Proven reliability and high market share in large hospital settings.

· Best For: High-volume endoscopy suites that need an end-to-end automated endoscope reprocessing workstation and strict regulatory compliance.

· Drawbacks: Higher upfront cost for the full system; the focus is more on AERs than standalone manual endoscope reprocessing workstations.

2. Steelco

Steelco (part of the Steelco Group) specializes in creating a top-tier endoscope reprocessing workstation and washer-disinfectors, offering one of the broadest portfolios for flexible endoscopes on the market. A Steelco endoscope reprocessing system is known for its ability to handle the entire lifecycle of an endoscope.

· Key Products: The ARES line is the flagship Steelco endoscope reprocessing workstation, covering pre-cleaning, washing, disinfection, drying, storage, and sterilization. This comprehensive endoscope reprocessing system includes advanced AERs, cabinet washers, and fully integrated processing lines.

· Workstation Aspects: The Steelco endoscope reprocessing workstation offers holistic, customizable endoscope reprocessing solutions tailored to specific departments like gastroenterology, urology, and ENT. This automated endoscope reprocessing workstation emphasizes high throughput, efficiency, and strict compliance with global standards.

· Strengths:

o Complete workflow coverage with innovative, tech-advanced equipment.

o High degree of customization within the Steelco endoscope reprocessing system for different facility sizes.

o Strong focus on safety, efficiency, and infection prevention.

· Best For: Facilities seeking an integrated, scalable automated endoscope reprocessing workstation with strong drying and storage integration.

· Drawbacks: Implementing a full Steelco endoscope reprocessing system may require more planning for installation compared to simpler modular options.

3. Mystaire

Mystaire takes a unique approach by focusing on safety and containment within the endoscope reprocessing workstation category. While not a full AER manufacturer, the Mystaire endoscopy workstation is a critical piece of endoscope reprocessing equipment for facilities prioritizing staff safety.

· Key Products: The LabPartner™ Ductless Endoscopy Workstation is the core product. This specialized Mystaire endoscopy workstation is a ductless, enclosed unit designed specifically for the safe handling of high-level disinfectants.

· Workstation Aspects: The primary function of the Mystaire endoscopy workstation is to provide operator protection from harmful vapors during manual soaking or chemical use. This endoscope cleaning and disinfection workstation features constant airflow, a small footprint, and an environmentally friendly design that requires no external venting.

· Strengths:

o Economical and eco-friendly vapor containment within the endoscope reprocessing workstation.

o Ideal for technician safety during manual or semi-automated steps.

o Compact size makes the Mystaire system easy to fit in various spaces.

· Best For: Smaller clinics, outpatient centers, or areas needing safe handling of disinfectants without a full AER investment. It acts as a perfect complement to endoscope reprocessing workstations from other brands.

· Drawbacks: It is not a full endoscope reprocessing system (no built-in disinfection or drying automation); it is primarily a containment and protection tool.

4. Pentax Medical

Pentax Medical (part of HOYA Corporation) is a major endoscope manufacturer that offers specific solutions to enhance your endoscope reprocessing workstation. While they are not a primary provider of base endoscope reprocessing systems, their products are designed to optimize the drying and storage phases of existing endoscope reprocessing equipment.

· Key Products: Their offerings include advanced endoscope reprocessing equipment that automates and accelerates specific steps. This includes specialized drying systems like the PlasmaTYPHOON or aids for HLD, designed to work alongside your main automated endoscope reprocessing workstation.

· Workstation Aspects: The focus of Pentax Medical solutions is on infection prevention enhancements. They offer tools for accelerated drying and storage to reduce contamination risk post-disinfection, effectively upgrading your current endoscope cleaning and disinfection workstation.

· Strengths:

o Strong integration with Pentax endoscopes within your endoscope reprocessing system.

o Emphasis on patient safety and efficient reprocessing steps.

o Excellent support and training for optimizing your workflow.

· Best For: Facilities using Pentax endoscopes or needing advanced drying and storage capabilities to complement other endoscope reprocessing workstations.

· Drawbacks: Less emphasis on core endoscope reprocessing workstations or AERs compared to STERIS or Steelco; their products are more supplementary to the main system.

STERIS vs Steelco vs Mystaire vs Pentax – Direct Comparison Table

Which Endoscope Reprocessing Workstation Is Right for Your Facility?

· For comprehensive, automated reprocessing in high-volume settings → Choose STERIS for its market-leading AERs and full support.

· For customizable, end-to-end workflow integration → Steelco stands out with its broad ARES portfolio.

· For budget-friendly, safe manual/chemical handling → Mystaire's LabPartner™ is ideal as a workstation for vapor protection.

· For enhanced drying/storage with Pentax scopes → Pentax Medical complements other systems well.

Many facilities combine solutions (e.g., Mystaire workstation + STERIS AER + Steelco drying). Always evaluate based on your volume, budget, regulatory needs, and existing equipment. Consult manufacturers directly or infection control experts for site-specific demos and compliance validation in 2026.