Controlling the flow: infectious-waste disposal products

Healthcare Purchasing News, Dec, 2005 by Susan Cantrell

How is your facility disposing of infectious fluid and waste? Chris Hosler, vice president of marketing, Dornoch Medical Systems Inc, Riverside, MO, summed it up this way: "If you ask those who are still pouring, they'll say 'you don't want to know!' Until the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [effective March 1992], for the most part, people didn't recognize splash and spatter as an issue. Since then, there's been a dramatic change in how people view the risks of fluid medical-waste disposal. Today, people realize the safety issues and can't ignore them."

The name of the game is safety, simplicity, economy

Dornoch: Transposal Fluid Waste Management System

Dornoch makes the Transposal Fluid Waste Management System, which Hosler described as "the only reusable suction canister system in the marketplace. It's the only system that terminally disinfects reusable components in accordance with OSHA regulations and AORN standards," he said. The Transposal system's "reusable canisters hold 1800 cc or 2800 cc, used for most general surgical procedures and for placement at the head of every patient bed. Optional 24- and 48-liter-capacity High Fluid Carts simplify fluid collection during arthroscopy and cysto cases."

Here's how the system works, according to Hosler. After use, fluid collection devices are transported to Transposal processing equipment in decontamination or central sterile processing areas. Sealed canisters are securely placed on closed instrument carts or in one of several specially designed transport carts. Transposal empties, cleans, and disinfects all fluid-collection equipment. Reusable suction canisters are processed using the Safety Station. High Fluid Carts are processed with the Cart Evac Unit. The optional Safety Station Plus serves double duty, processing fluids from both reusable canisters and High Fluid Carts. "Typically, a hospital will purchase one Safety Station Plus, two 48-liter High Fluid Carts, and a 3-day supply of reusable suction canisters," he said.

Hosler emphasized the versatility of Dornoch's system: "It can be used house-wide (operating room, emergency department, labor and delivery, patient rooms, etc.); it completely isolates employees from potentially infectious-fluid waste during disposal; it eliminates traditional disposable suction canisters and associated red-bag waste; it empties, cleans, and disinfects all fluid-collection devices prior to reuse or disposal; it handles all suction-canister waste, including whole blood, blood clots, and body fat; it minimizes on-site fluid waste-management equipment and maintenance needs; and it supports visually verifiable blood-loss measurements."

What about cost? Hosler said the "up-front costs for Transposal equipment may be more" than that of some other providers, but it can save money because it's "the only system that offers reusable canisters, eliminating as much as 25 percent of a facility's red-bag waste." With red bag waste costs at about 25 cents per pound, and a 3-liter canister weighing approximately 7.5 pounds when full (cost and weight can be higher if a solidifier is added), that can represent a significant cost savings for some facilities. "The ongoing operating expense for Transposal is about $3.75 per surgical case," he added.

Cardinal Health Inc.: SAF-T-Pump System

SAF-T-Pump is another product that saves on solidification and red-bag costs. Scott Leece, marketing manager, Cardinal Health, McGaw Park, IL, described how it works: "The SAF-T-PUMP needs only moving water and a sanitary-sewer connection.

It's mounted on a wall and plumbed into a water source. The canister is connected to the SAF-T-PUMP by a dip tube. When the valve is opened, water flows through the SAF-T-PUMP, creating suction and pulling the contents out through a big straw-like tube. Clean water and waste blend and go directly into the sanitary sewer. The dip tube is single-use, but the pump tube is "resposable," meaning it can be reused an average of 50 to 100 times. Because the system is powered entirely by tap water and does not require motorized or electrical components, it is virtually maintenance-free. Also, when used with Cardinal Health canisters, it is a closed system, which is important in reducing the risk of staff being exposed to potentially infectious particles.

Another safety advantage of the SAF-T-PUMP, said Leece, is that "it can be mounted in or near the operating room, so staff members don't have to transport full canisters over great distances. It solves a pressing issue in a simple way that also increases staff safety. The 'proof is in the pudding:' when you launch a product and it is well received, you feel you're doing something right. We have many very satisfied customers. I believe we'll continue seeing good market growth for the SMF-T Pump."

While declining to provide information on cost, Leece noted that the SAF-T-PUMP is cost-competitive with other waste-disposal products.

Bemis Manufacturing Co.: Quick-Drain