Boehringer Laboratories, LLC Introduces First 270F Validated Sterilization Solution for Medical Suction Regulators

• 

In a multicenter survey of 470 medical suction regulators, 37% were colonized with common hospital pathogens.

Phoenixville, PA (PRWEB) December 14, 2010

Medical suction regulators are an overlooked piece of reusable medical equipment in patient care areas. A recently published, peer reviewed study*, identified a high percentage of operable suction equipment as being contaminated with common hospital pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Enterococcus faecium. This same study used an in vitro model to demonstrate a potential hospital acquired infection risk from contaminated suction controls.

Gross internal contamination is a leading cause of suction regulator failure. Aerosolization, compromised overflow safety systems, and improper circuit setup all contribute to the buildup of contaminants inside a suction regulator. Intermitting suction procedures, such as nasogastric drainage, allow for backflow from the suction regulator to the patient. Depending on the circuit setup, this backflow could be up to four liters per minute, and could be responsible for sending pathogens back to patients.

Suction regulators present an exposure risk not only to patients, but to clinical and engineering staff that must routinely handle and service them. Every major manufacturer of suction equipment recognizes the possibility of internal contamination and the majority of them recommend disposal of their contaminated equipment. Only Boehringer Platinum suction regulators have a validated reprocessing method utilizing the fastest and most common hospital sterilization means, steam autoclave at 270F. Boehringer is proud to offer this option as part of a risk based handling program. These recommendations provide for added patient and staff safety as well as helping to preserve scarce capital equipment budgets.

Boehringer: Setting the standard with the only VALIDATED Sterilization Solution.

About Boehringer Laboratories, Inc:
John R. Boehringer founded Boehringer Laboratories, Inc., a Pennsylvania Corporation in 1972. The company develops and manufactures high quality medical instruments, particularly those dealing with respiratory care anesthesia and advanced wound care. In choosing Boehringer products, you have our guarantee of extraordinary performance, quality workmanship, reliable service and value. For more information, visit http://www.BoehringerLabs.com.

*Kaye, Keith. (2010). Suction regulators: a potential vector for hospital-acquired pathogens. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 31(7), 772-774.

# # #

PDF Print