ArabLab, the premier Mideast convention for laboratory equipment solutions, is gearing up for the 2010 season. In January from the 9th to the 12th the trade show will be hosted at the Dubai International convention and Exhibition Centre. Of the hundreds of exhibitors expected to attend, there are more than 40 autoclave suppliers and manufacturers represented. Several South Korean companies will be making an appearance to promote their product lines at this international event.
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In a press release on 8 August 2009, Tuttnauer dealer BaySide Technical Services announced a ‘cash for clunker’ program to boost autoclave and sterilizer sales. These heavy discounts for new machines with trade-ins have nothing to do with any government policy or program. This is simply a dramatic way to call attention to a favorable customer incentive program during a severe economic recession.
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So far this year, the FDA has publicized several incidents involving sterilizer malfunctions. These Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) records offer a glimpse into potential problems that can occur when certain devices are used in healthcare settings. SPD departments should watch out for similar problems when using these equipment models. Often MAUDE Adverse Event Reports are simply records of unusual occurrences. However, sometimes glitches can result in serious injury.
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The Department of Health in the state of Ohio has released an updated Infection Prevention and Control manual for 2009. This comprehensive document covers topics as far ranging as the management of pandemic influenza and how to deal with the threat of bioterrorism. One segment in this booklet deals specifically with issues of interest to sterile processing departments.
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In April 2009, a new line of medical autoclave – the BRAVO series – received FDA approval to proceed with marketing. The new sterilization product was developed by SciCan Ltd.in Canada and is just now making its rounds in the US. These are table top vacuum steam sterilizers that operate at high pressures. This optimizes the conditions necessary to penetrate a load and effectively kill infectious organisms in a short period of time.
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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 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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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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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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