Nelson Labs recently announced that it has invested in expanding its operations and service capabilities at its Itasca, Ill. facility. The investment will offer upgrades to the laboratory facilities, in addition to a 10,000 sq. ft building expansion and renovated lab space. The upgrades will include a BI sterility suite to support EO sterilization validations
Turns out graphene can fight bacteria on implants
April 18, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Graphene flakes that are arranged like spikes can kill bacteria and stop infections during implant surgery procedures, according to new research from Chalmers University of Technology in Göteborg, Sweden. Bacteria moves around the body in fluids like blood looking for an area to stick to. Once they find a place, the bacteria starts to grow
Webinar: Ethylene oxide sterilization requirements have changed — what you need to know
April 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Tuesday, May 8, 2018 2 p.m. Eastern time / 11 a.m. Pacific time ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11135:2014 Annex E recently underwent a revision expanding on the requirements for the release of healthcare product from a single batch ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization process. This addendum builds on the current allowances and requirements for the release of
How reprocessing enables medical device innovation
April 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Reprocessing accelerates the speed of commoditization, forcing medical device companies to innovative, according to Innovative Health. Lars Thording, Innovative Health “Single-use” medical device reprocessing has long been a divisive issue in the medical technology industry. Some large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have viewed reprocessing as a drain on their revenues that challenges profitability and hence investment
Needle washing for analytics equipment: What you need to know
April 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Here’s a look at the different methods, pump types and popular options to consider — and potentially optimize — when it comes to needle washing for clinical diagnostic and analytical lab equipment. David Vanderbeck, KNF Neuberger Syringe-type needles are commonly used to meter or dose liquid samples onboard clinical diagnostic and analytical lab equipment. These needles
This technology allows package sterilization of silicones with in-situ curing
March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
New methods of sterilization have made customizable implantable silicones a possibility. This exciting technology advance could allow better sealing, occlusion and repair or support within a patient’s body. Avantor has developed packaging to sterilize the silicone so that the material can be cured in-situ. Julie Cameron, VP of business development and marketing for the Nusil
Software is a top cause of medical device recalls: Here’s what you can do
February 6, 2018 By 1 Comment
Stericycle Expert Solutions recently conducted a five-year assessment of recall trends, based on its quarterly Recall Index studies. The results show surprising missteps from medical device companies, especially where software is concerned. We asked Chris Harvey, director of recall solutions at Stericycle to answer some questions about the recall trends and offer some advice on
Report: Medical device recalls down in Q4 of 2017
February 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The medical device industry saw a 9% decline in recalls in the last quarter of 2017, the lowest quarter since the fourth quarter of 2011, according to Stericycle Expert Solutions‘s annual Recall Index. One of the major causes of medical device recalls over the past five years is that technological advances are rushing at such a
MD&M West 2018: Medtech supplier innovations you need to know
February 2, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Updated Feb. 5 More than 20,000 engineers and executives are expected to gather and network for the annual MD&M West – one of the largest annual medical device manufacturing events. The event takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 6–8, and houses an array of industry suppliers showcasing their latest technologies and manufacturing advancements. Think medical
3M submits 510(k) for steam sterilization system
January 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment
3M has submitted an application to receive FDA 510(k) clearance for its Attest Super Rapid System for steam sterilization. The steam sterilization system can provide biological indicator results in 24 minutes. A faster readout time for steam will help improve patient safety while increasing workflow for sterilization professionals. “The focus of our sterilization science at
Sterifre Medical raises nearly $5 million for desktop sterilization device
December 8, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Sterifre Medical, a company that has developed a desktop sterilization device that only uses room temperature plasma, has raised nearly $5 million in its present funding round, according to a recent U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing. The company has raised $4,827,500 toward its present $12 million goal, according to a Form D filed with
Repeat sterilization for adhesives in reusable and non-disposable devices
December 5, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Here’s a review of the common adhesive materials and their reaction to sterilization processes. Christine Marotta, Henkel Intricate medical devices are often constructed of thermoset and other engineered plastics, which require advanced adhesive technology. In addition to considerations of bonding, sealing, gap filling, and manufacturability, developers need to consider the sterilization plan that all materials, including
3 ways to integrate UVC LEDs into medical devices
November 28, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Adding disinfection with UVC LEDs is a viable alternative to chemicals, according to Crystal IS. Here are three examples of how they can make a difference. Rajul Randive, Crystal IS In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reported significant progress in many areas commonly associated with hospital acquired infections (HAIs). However, on any
Comparing EO and VPA sterilization
November 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment
As medtech advances, device makers need to consider sterilization methods that won’t compromise electronics, drugs or biologics. Matt Conlon, Revox Sterilization Solutions The medical device industry has undergone an impressive transformation over the last several years, resulting in new and innovative devices and solutions. As companies continue to innovate, they are finding that commonly used sterilization
How to select sterile barrier systems for reusable medical devices
November 14, 2017 By 1 Comment
Sterile barrier systems are key components in medical device sterilization, so selecting the right barrier is essential. Jason Pope, Nelson Labs Reusable medical devices, prior to use in healthcare facilities, must undergo validation testing to demonstrate the effectiveness of the cleaning instructions and the microbiocidal instructions that will be provided to the healthcare facility. Often, the
