Abstract:Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of ATP bioluminescence technology versus traditional microbiology detection method in assessing flexible endoscope cleaning and disinfection. Methods Eight Chinese and English databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP Chinese Medical Journal Database and China Biology Medicine disc, were searched from inception to October 1, 2023. Comparative studies on evaluating post-reprocessing endoscope quality using both methods were included. Positive sample numbers and positive rates were taken as the main effect indicators, and the fixed effect model was used to conduct a meta-analysis of the included literature. Results A total of 14 Chinese and English articles were included, involving 4 569 samples (gastroscopes, colonoscopes, duodenoscopes and fiberbronchoscopes). The pooled analysis demonstrated low heterogeneity across studies (I²=23%), with a combined odds ratio (OR) of 1.57 (95%CI: 1.27-1.94). It indicated a statistically significant difference in positive detection rates between the two methods (P<0.001). However, funnel plot analysis suggested potential publication bias. Conclusion ATP bioluminescence correlates with microbiological methods for monitoring endoscope reprocessing. While ATP offers rapid assessment advantages, its consistently higher positive rates preclude replacement of conventional microbiological verification for terminal disinfection.