Case Medical Cuts Drying Time For Medical Device Sterilization in Half

SOUTH HACKENSACK, N.J. - April 14, 2016 - PRLog -- Case Medical today announced test results for its SteriTite Container System which achieved faster than standard dry times for medical device sterilization.  Case Medical reported results of five to eight minutes for short cycles versus industry standard drying periods of 20 to 45 minutes in laboratory setting. Faster dry times enable sterile processing staff to expedite instrument reprocessing to help hospitals deal with higher operating room utilization rate.

"Hospitals and surgery centers are challenged with high caseloads that can be alleviated by faster reprocessing times," states Marcia Frieze, CEO of Case Medical. "We've validated our products to meet the growing demands of our market for shorter cycles. We recommend that each facility verify the results in their own sterilizer."

Case Medical's SteriTite containers are constructed of anodized aluminum, a highly thermo-conductive material, and features a proprietary design that transfers heat more efficiently than competitive products.  By cutting dry times in half for short cycles, SteriTite containers improve patient safety, reduce OR delays and cut energy costs. For routine use, a 20-minute dry time is recommended.

Drying times are traditionally the longest segment of a typical 56 to 58 minute sterilization cycle. Fully dried instruments are critical for proper sterilization.  Instruments that are sterilized and stored with even trace moisture levels, known in the industry as "wet packs," can provide a breeding ground for bacteria and eventually lead to corrosion and disease transmission.  Guidelines and standards established by the Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AMAMI) recommend against the use of items where moisture is visible because of the potential for recontamination of contents.  The presence of even a drop of water after sterilization is cause to repeat the entire cycle.

Today's announcement about faster dry times builds on previous accomplishments regarding faster sterilization cycles. In 2003, Case Medical received a FDA 510k clearance for flash sterilization cycles (now called IUSS) with its FlashTite valve system as well as its standard SteriTite container with disposable paper filter. In this earlier study a 6 log reduction was achieved in replicate cycles.

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About Case Medical

Case Medical is a FDA registered, ISO certified manufacturer of validated, sustainable and cost effective products for instrument processing.  Our reusable sterilization containers and instrument chemistries meet the highest standards for patient safety and environmental preference.  Case Medical was an inaugural recipient of the U.S. EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year award.  Visit our website www.casemed.com for more information about our company and our products for infection prevention.