This March, the Muskogee Community Hospital opened in Oklahoma. As a brand new healthcare facility, it demonstrates a fundamental shift in the focus of care. Instead of simply being a location for treatment of disease, its mission now encompasses a much broader scope. The hospital was designed at a fundamental level to exist in a healthy balance with the environment.
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In May of 2009, Sartorius Stedim Biotech announced a new disposable sterile connector that joins two pre-sterilized components normally used in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process. The purpose of the device is to prevent contamination while supporting the flow of sterile fluid from one component part to the next. The Opta SFT-I connectors do this by creating a 4 step sterile fluid path. This includes the proven barrier system method combined with other well tested features that ensure reliability.
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In May, the Primus Sterilizer Company received notification that their 510(k) application has been approved by the FDA. This means the updated PSS5 autoclaves can be marketed in the U.S. as medical devices. The manufacturer has classified these sterilizers as Class II equipment for use in hospital, surgical, and laboratory settings.
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At the 2009 ACHEMA show, Fedegari showcased the new FOB4-TS series of horizontal steam sterilizers. These units are designed for compact and easy installation. They have similar capabilities as those of the new FOB TS tabletop series. However, they feature a larger average load capacity. Ergonomic design makes this product conveniently functional.
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In June, Belimed’s Technick GmbH division made the “Top 100” list for small to medium sized businesses in Germany. This sterilizer manufacturer is being recognized in the areas of innovation-friendly management, marketing, and processes. Former state premier of Baden-Wurttemberg, Lothar Spath, presented this award at an official ceremony on 6/26/09.
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Radical, an innovative UK company, has developed a sanitization system for the food processing industry based upon water oxidation. Their machine creates high concentrations of ozone in a dedicated water supply. The process then goes on to create hydrogen peroxides and hydroxyl ions. These substances are powerful biocides that dissipate readily after the decontamination of target surfaces. This new, viable and cheap alternative to chlorine based methods was featured in Food Quality News in May of 2009.
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In a press release in December of 2008, ASP (Advanced Sterilization Products) announced a new product line that would eliminate the need for manual cleaning of endoscopes. EVOTECH(tm) is the first available automatic endoscope cleaner and re-processor on the market. In February of 2009, ASP announced an update. 60 units had already been delivered in little more than two and a half months.
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In May, MD Publishing featured an excellent IAHCSM article on how Sterile Processing and Distribution departments can “go green”. The article notes that healthcare is among the top 5 energy consuming industries in the U.S. Approximately 2.4 million tons of waste are generated annually by this industry and many of its unsafe byproducts end up in our water supply. Finding eco-friendly sterilization and autoclaving processes would certainly improve this situation.
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AORN (Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses) held its 56th Congress in Chicago in March 2009. One of the topics of discussion was the correct way to use sterile count sheets with surgical instruments. Chemicals used to make the paper and toner could potentially contaminate instruments during the sterilization process. Theoretically, this might pose a risk to sensitized patients.
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Yesterday, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) issued a press release regarding steam sterilization. Their upcoming new publication will cover 26 specific additions/revisions to existing ST79 guidelines. Copies of the amended standards are expected to be available in published form by early August at the latest. Customers who have purchased the previous version will be able to download the updates via PDF without having to pay an additional fee.
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