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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Earlier in July, LANXESS released the results of a new efficacy study on Preventol CD 601, an active ingredient in many of the company’s personal care and cleansing products. In a previous study in 2006 the ingredient was proven to be a highly effective biocide against the bird flu (H5N1). Over the last couple of months, Giessen University researchers have confirmed that it is also an effective disinfectant against the new 2009 swine flu virus, H1N1.
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In May, Thomasnet featured a short piece introducing Sussman’s new, high quality saturated steam “ES” boiler model. This versatile unit can be used in many industries. The company’s electric boilers are found in hospitals, laboratories, and food processing plants – anywhere pressurized steam is required. This equipment requires only electrical and water connections so installation is straightforward.
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Mere cleaning is not the same thing as decontamination or sterilization, but it is an important step in the overall process. Sanitization is part of a protocol standard that requires a whole list of procedures for proper implementation. The CDC recommends that reusable medical equipment be pre-cleaned before sterilization. An ultrasonic cleaning system is many times more effective and much faster than scrubbing by hand. L & R delivers equipment that can replace such manual cleaning. In May, the company also introduced a new line of UltraDose solutions that make using their ultrasonic cleaners easier than ever.
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In May, L&R announced that its trademark Barrier Milk product is available in a sprayable formula. This product comes in a small 8 oz bottle and is designed for laboratory instrument care. It helps prevent corrosion and rusting of metals during the autoclaving process. It also lubricates devices that contain hinges or joints. As a bonus, the solution reduces the chances of heat discoloration from the high temperatures experienced in a typical sterilization cycle. Because of this triple action, the spray can be used for many applications.
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Last month, STERIS announced the introduction of the company’s new pharmaceutical washer to the global marketplace. The Reliance 680PG offers manufacturers the opportunity to decrease energy and water usage while actually increasing the level of sanitation achieved. STERIS has designed this model to deliver a faster return on investment by adding features that can significantly reduce operating costs. Chilled water is re-circulated through the system to act as a coolant for the effluent. An estimated 36 gallons per cycle can be saved using this method.
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The Pharmaceutical-Technology website recently featured Priorclave’s whitepaper on specialized steam sterilizers and related equipment. The company’s washers, autoclaves and sterilizers feature a variety of exclusive proprietary technologies. In addition, Priorclave’s in-house manufacturing capability permits customization of products to meet exact client specifications.
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