Automated flexible endoscope cleaning system (100% replaces manual cleaning)
Khamsin
Khamsin is the world’s first fully automated cleaning system for flexible endoscopes that 100% replaces manual cleaning, delivering consistent and reliable results with every cycle. It is a Class I medical device, certified under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745).
Khamsin combines advanced ultrasonic technology for cleaning the external surfaces of endoscopes with nanotechnology for the internal channels, ensuring deep and thorough cleaning. It removes biofilm and microbial contamination with over 99.99% efficiency, including highly resistant strains such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two of the most persistent sources of healthcare-associated infections.
Since 2024, Khamsin has processed over 500,000 endoscopes and counting without causing damage to the instruments. It offers a fast, ergonomic, and fully reproducible cleaning solution, eliminating the need for manual brushing, single-use consumables, and the additional workload typically placed on reprocessing staff.
Product code: KH01
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Discover the Khamsin through our video series
Peer-reviewed studies have consistently shown that manual cleaning of endoscopes remains a significant challenge. Research indicates that one in six duodenoscopes deemed ready for patient use may still be contaminated.
Over the past five years, we have dedicated ourselves to developing a reliable solution to this critical issue in flexible endoscope reprocessing.
We are proud to introduce Khamsin, an advanced, fully automated system that replaces manual cleaning prior to disinfection. By combining ultrasonic technology with nanoparticles, Khamsin ensures consistent and thorough cleaning, raising the standard for pre-disinfection endoscope reprocessing.
Case studies:
Risks in flexible endoscope cleaning
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First-hand experience with the Khamsin
In this video, Alan Cocksedge (Decontamination Supervisor) and Annette Giles (Head of CSSD and Trust Decontamination Officer) from Bristol Royal Infirmary share their experience with the Khamsin.
They discuss how the Khamsin was integrated into their newly refurbished decontamination area, how it helped reduce manual processes, and the impact it had on staff workload, including a reduction in back strain and repetitive motion-related injuries.
This feedback provides a real-world example of how the Khamsin can be implemented in the daily operations of a busy healthcare facility.
Khamsin: Reducing the risk of injury
Manual cleaning of endoscopes demands a high level of precision and continuous attention. However, physical strain, such as bending over cleaning stations, can lead to long-term discomfort and health issues for staff. Even with height-adjustable sinks, operators often find themselves in a permanently stooped position, placing significant strain on the neck and back.
Several users of our system have reported that manual cleaning frequently caused severe back pain. Since the installation of the Khamsin automated cleaning system, this issue has been resolved, as the device helps reduce both RSIs and back pain.
"The benefits of using the Khamsin as opposed to the sink is there's less repetitive strain injuries and back injuries, which takes a lot of staff out of the work environment for considerable time. (...) Our staff come in many different heights. If they're working at a static sink, a lot of them were struggling with back pain. By having the Khamsin, because we've removed the manual process, then the back issues have gone away for staff."
- Alan Cocksedge
Decontamination Supervisor in Bristol Royal Infirmary
The operator places the endoscope into the unit, positioning the distal tip inside a dedicated chamber, and connecting the channels. Once the cycle starts, the system fills with warm water and enzymatic detergent. Ultrasonic waves then generate millions of microscopic bubbles, which collapse with force to clean the external surfaces of the endoscope. In the next phase, hydrogen peroxide and nanoparticles are introduced and flow continuously through the internal channels. The bubbles created in this process help remove protein residues and biofilm from all internal surfaces. At the end of the cycle, the entire endoscope is fully cleaned and ready for disinfection.
Ultrasonic & nanotechnology
Khamsin replaces the manual cleaning process
Khamsin is not an AER, it is an automated endoscope cleaning system developed to replace the manual cleaning of flexible endoscopes.
We developed Khamsin because the effectiveness of high-level disinfection largely depends on the quality of manual cleaning. Inadequate cleaning can leave behind organic residues and biofilm, which compromise the performance of AERs and increase the risk of cross-contamination.
By standardising and automating this critical phase, Khamsin ensures consistent, high-quality results while reducing the possibility of human error.
“Although flexible endoscopes have advanced a lot over the past 40 years, the way they are cleaned has hardly changed. It’s surprising that such complex medical devices are still cleaned by hand at a sink using brushes and sponges.
Our goal was to create a machine that removes the risks of manual cleaning, improving the safety and quality of all following reprocessing steps."
- Rob Hartley
The director of PFE Medical
The cleaning performance of the Khamsin automatic endoscope cleaner was evaluated through two independent laboratory studies. The aim was to determine whether Khamsin can deliver microbiological and organic soil removal equivalent to or more reliable than the manual “Flush–Brush–Flush” method during the pre-cleaning stage, in accordance with the requirements of ISO 15883-4.
The first evaluation, conducted in 2022, compared Khamsin’s cleaning performance directly with manual cleaning under identical conditions. ERCP and GI endoscopes were artificially contaminated with organic test soil and inoculated with multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and biofilm-forming Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Residual contamination after cleaning was assessed by ATP measurement and microbiological culture. Both methods met the established quality thresholds; however, Khamsin achieved lower ATP values with reduced variability between cycles, indicating a more consistent and reproducible cleaning outcome.
The second evaluation, completed in 2023, involved an extended testing programme across multiple endoscope types, including bronchoscopes, ERCP, and GI endoscopes. Instruments were contaminated with artificial test soil and a high bacterial load (10¹⁰ CFU/ml), then processed using the Khamsin automatic cleaning system. The tests focused on two organisms: Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC+) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA01 biofilm+).
Across all test runs, Khamsin consistently achieved high levels of microbial reduction, ranging from 8.6 to 10 log, corresponding to more than 99.99% reduction. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, several cycles resulted in complete elimination of detectable bacteria (100%), while Klebsiella pneumoniae showed comparable high log reductions across all tests. Even after 48 and 72 hours of biofilm incubation, the results confirmed that cleaning efficiency remained effectively maintained.
For comparison, manual cleaning achieved reductions between 7.7 and 8.3 log under the same conditions. Khamsin showed smaller variability between individual cleaning cycles, demonstrating the reproducibility and stability of the automated process.
These independent studies confirm that Khamsin provides reliable and consistent cleaning performance equivalent to or exceeding that of manual cleaning. The results demonstrate its ability to efficiently remove organic and microbiological contaminants while reducing the risk of human error and ensuring safe preparation of endoscopes for subsequent high-level disinfection.
Khamsin cleaning performance evaluation
Supporting sustainable endoscope cleaning practices
The Khamsin machine is a groundbreaking solution in endoscope cleaning that contributes significantly to sustainability in healthcare. By automating the cleaning process of flexible endoscopes, it reduces clinical waste, which is a major concern in healthcare environments, particularly in the NHS. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, which rely on single-use plastics and other disposable materials, Khamsin eliminates the need for such items, thus cutting down on non-biodegradable waste.
The machine's cleaning process is highly effective, removing biofilms and pathogens that pose serious health risks. It promotes reusable endoscopes without the environmental burden of single-use alternatives, reducing waste while ensuring patient safety. With over 1.5 million endoscopic procedures in the UK annually, Khamsin’s role in minimizing waste and environmental impact is crucial for the future of sustainable healthcare practices.
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PFE Medical won at Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards for Innovation
PFE Medical is proud to announce that it has received the Science, Technology, and Innovation Award at the distinguished Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2023. This recognition honours the pioneering work behind the Khamsin, the world’s first automated endoscope cleaner, which holds the potential to significantly enhance healthcare practices worldwide.
The Khamsin was developed through a three-year knowledge transfer partnership with Aston University and has undergone extensive testing to verify its effectiveness in reducing the risks of hospital-acquired infections. The patented cleaning process, which leverages nano-particles and ultrasonics to generate oxygen bubbles, ensures the complete decontamination of every endoscope, safeguarding millions of patients each year. By eliminating human error, the automated system sets a new benchmark for safety and efficiency in endoscope cleaning and disinfection.
As noted on the award’s website, this achievement underscores PFE Medical’s commitment to innovation and the advancement of medical technology. The award was granted in recognition of the Khamsin’s unparalleled cleaning efficacy and its potential to significantly reduce infections caused by inadequate reprocessing.
The Innovation Award not only celebrates the technical success of the Khamsin but also highlights the collaboration between PFE Medical and academic institutions such as Aston University. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing the research and development of the Khamsin, ensuring its readiness for global deployment in healthcare settings.
This prestigious recognition further strengthens PFE Medical’s position as a leader in medical innovation, with an unwavering focus on improving patient safety and advancing healthcare practices.
1. High Cleaning Efficiency
The Khamsin effectively removes biofilms during its cleaning cycle, targeting a key source of hospital-acquired infections. By consistently achieving rigorous cleanliness standards, it contributes to enhanced patient safety.
2. Time-Saving Operation
Khamsin can clean two flexible endoscopes simultaneously in just 20 minutes, equating to less than 10 minutes per endoscope. This is significantly faster than traditional cleaning practices.
3. Cost Efficiency
The cost of cleaning one endoscope with Khamsin is the same as that of manual cleaning, but with Khamsin, there is no longer a need to spend on disposable items like brushes, sponges, and protective equipment. This makes it both cost-effective and sustainable.
4. Easy to Use
Khamsin is user-friendly. Staff can be fully trained to operate the system within a day. Once the cleaning program is initiated via the control panel, no further manual intervention is needed, allowing personnel to focus on other important tasks.
5. Enhanced Workforce Efficiency
One operator can oversee up to three machines simultaneously, enabling the cleaning of up to six endoscopes at the same time. This significantly reduces the strain on human resources.
6. Sustainability
Khamsin does not require single-use cleaning consumables, making it an environmentally friendly solution that reduces waste and provides long-term cost savings.
7. Compatibility with Devices
Khamsin has undergone extensive testing to ensure compatibility with a wide range of endoscope types and manufacturers. Over 60,000 endoscopes have been processed with Khamsin without any damage.
8. Reducing Physical Strain for Staff
Manual cleaning requires high precision and continuous attention, and tasks like bending over cleaning stations can cause physical strain and fatigue for staff. Khamsin eliminates this issue, providing an efficient solution that reduces discomfort and prevents back pain.
9. Easy Mobility with Lockable Wheels
Khamsin is designed for effortless movement, featuring lockable wheels that provide stability when stationary and allow for easy manoeuvrability when needed. This enhances workflow efficiency and ensures the system can be positioned conveniently within any space.
The advantages of the Khamsin
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Why Partner with Us?
High-Quality & Competitive Products
For over 20 years, we have been developing and manufacturing products that are successfully used in multiple markets. Their high-quality quality and innovative design provide our partners with a stable competitive edge.
Unique Technology
We offer exclusive solutions such as the Khamsin and Scirocco systems, technologies you won’t find anywhere else. Through continuous research and product development, we ensure that our partners always represent the most cutting-edge innovations in endoscope reprocessing.
Reliable and On-Time Delivery
We fulfill every order as agreed, ensuring our partners receive products on time and with predictable lead times.
Competitive Pricing
We offer attractive pricing to our partners, enabling strong market positioning and long-term growth.
Marketing Support
We provide ready-to-use marketing materials, including brochures, product sheets, and visuals, to support your local market entry and promotion.
Excellent Customer Service
As a family-owned business, we offer highly personalized customer service. You’ll always work with the same dedicated team, without unnecessary layers of middle management, ensuring fast and efficient communication.
Product Support
We supply all the necessary technical information and product documentation to help you confidently represent our solutions in your market.
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