Case Medical FAQ

Browse our frequently asked questions by category or search for specific topics below.

General

Does Case Medical sell more than just sterile processing containers?

Yes we do! Case Medical Inc. manufactures medical instrument reprocessing products in the U.S. using the highest-quality materials and standards. In addition to sterile processing containers, we offer case carts, chemistries, consumables, and tracking software.

How does Case Medical support sustainability in the healthcare sector?

Case Medical supports sustainability through reusable products, safer chemistries, durable container systems, and digital workflows that reduce waste. Its SuperNova cleaners carry the U.S. EPA Safer Choice label.

What is Case Medical’s holistic approach? How does it benefit healthcare facilities?

Case Medical’s holistic approach supports the full workflow, from cleaning and containment to transport, tracking, and storage. By treating these steps as one connected system, facilities can improve safety, efficiency, visibility, sustainability, and instrument protection while reducing waste and total cost.

Why is standardization important in healthcare facilities?

Standardization helps facilities create more consistent, efficient, and reliable workflows. It can improve patient safety, reduce variation, simplify training, lower errors, and support better outcomes. Case Medical’s 360 approach helps standardize processes from point of use through storage and transport.

Are Case Medical products available on contract?

Yes. Case Medical participates in national GPO agreements, including Vizient, Premier, HealthTrust, VA government contracts, and a contract in Canada. Through these agreements, customers can access Case Medical containers, instrument chemistries, and consumables at discounted pricing. Certain products may qualify for additional discounts through sole-source or dual-source selections.

What cleaning indicator can I use with Case Medical products?

Case Medical offers the Case Soil indicator, a stainless steel coupon designed to simulate surgical instruments within a stainless steel box to create a cleaning challenge. The test soil contains sterile blood components, lipids, and carbohydrates that represent bodily soils and support accurate evaluation of cleaning performance.

Where are Case Medical instrument chemistries validated?

Our instrument chemistries as well as our recommended process are validated in independent laboratories and university studies. While others may claim that their cleaners are environmentally-preferred, ours have been thoroughly reviewed by EPA scientists through the EPA Safer Choice Program and independent auditors to meet the criteria for safer chemistry.

What does EPA Safer Choice Certified mean?

EPA Safer Choice Certified means every ingredient is reviewed against strict EPA criteria for human health, environmental safety, and performance. Case Medical products that display the Safer Choice label include SuperNova cleaners and Case Solutions products, helping ensure effective cleaning with safer ingredients for staff, patients, and the environment.

How can procurement decisions help reduce total cost of ownership?

In healthcare, procurement decisions should also consider performance, longevity, and patient safety. Reducing total cost of ownership means looking beyond purchase price. Durable, sustainable products like Case Medical containers and instrument chemistries can help lower long-term costs by reducing maintenance, replacement, residue-related issues, and waste.

Are sustainable cleaners more expensive for routine use?

Not necessarily. Sustainable cleaners are formulated with safer ingredients that support staff and patient safety while helping reduce disposal and handling costs. They can also help preserve the life of instruments and equipment, contributing to further savings. When total cost of ownership is considered, they can deliver significant value at use dilution.

Which Case Medical rigid sterilization container system provides the best return on investment?

SteriTite containers are designed for long life, universal compatibility, and lower total cost of ownership. Made from durable, recyclable aluminum, they support faster processing, reduced energy use, and validated 5 to 8 minute dry times. Used with Case Medical chemistries, they can help reduce waste, repairs, and replacement costs.

SteriTite Containers and Accessories

How do SteriTite containers differ from other rigid reusable sterilization containers?

SteriTite is a universal reusable container system compatible with all sterilization modalities. It helps facilities move away from wrap with a safer, more efficient, sustainable option. U.S.-made and DIN sized, it supports standardization, durability, and drier outcomes across global healthcare settings.

Why is the filter retention plate design important in a sterilization container system?

The filter retention plate helps protect container contents by supporting proper barrier performance. Its perforations are designed to avoid strike-through. A flat, undamaged plate is important, since bending from handling, storage, or overload can affect performance and reliability.

Why are tamper evident seals important in a container system?

Tamper evident seals show that a container has been sterilized and has not been opened before use. They also help communicate tray status across the workflow. Case Medical seals support validated system compatibility and use a twist-off design that helps reduce latch stress.

Why does chemical compatibility matter for sterilization containers?

Chemical compatibility matters because harsh or incompatible chemistry can affect container surfaces and processing performance over time. Using IFU-recommended products and avoiding caustic chemistry can help protect container life and support reliable outcomes.

Instrument Cleaning Chemistries

How do Case Medical’s instrument cleaning chemistries differ from other products?

Case Medical chemistries focus on safety, efficacy, sustainability, and compatibility. SuperNova cleaners are highly concentrated, EPA Safer Choice Certified, dye- and fragrance-free, and validated to remove more than 99.9% of organic material and bioburden.

Why use PentaPrep instead of gel-based point-of-use pre-treatment?

PentaPrep contains multiple enzymes that break down bodily soils efficiently and rinse devices clean even after 72 hours. Unlike gel-based products that can dry on surfaces and trap soil, PentaPrep supports a smoother transition to decontamination.

How can a multi-enzymatic cleaner help simplify instrument cleaning while supporting safety and cost control?

A multi-enzymatic cleaner can simplify cleaning by reducing the need for multiple agents across different steps. That supports standardization, efficiency, and cost control. SuperNova .25 is positioned for soaking, manual cleaning, sonication, automated washers, and cart washers.

What should a bedside kit do during point-of-use pre-treatment?

A bedside kit should help staff remove gross soil at point of use and suction detergent through the endoscope at bedside. It should provide the right amount of product for the task while helping reduce reliance on contaminated leftover solution or ineffective cleaning practices.

When is a non-enzymatic wipe a good choice for pre-treatment?

A non-enzymatic wipe is a strong choice when a facility wants pre-treatment support without enzymes. This can be especially helpful in eye centers. It also offers an alternative to disinfectant wipes that are not intended for medical device cleaning or decontamination.

Are SuperNova Cleaners free rinsing?

Yes. Free rinsing means the cleaner is designed to wash away completely without leaving interfering residue on devices. Our cleaners are true water-soluble emulsions formulated to rinse clean, helping reduce residue buildup and promote consistent cleaning outcomes.

Are all enzymatic cleaners formulated the same?

No. Enzymatic cleaners vary in enzyme type, concentration, stability, and performance when diluted. Case Medical’s stable multi-enzymatic cleaners are designed to work synergistically to remove a broad range of bodily soils and dried-on residue, helping support more effective cleaning across reprocessing workflows.

What options does Case Medical have for proper dosing at the sink or machine?

Case Medical offers flexible dosing options including hand pumps, sink proportioners, or machine setups. We also provide dosing pumps that deliver the right product at the right dilution, helping support accuracy and consistency.

Digital Tracking and Visualization

What is digital visualization and why did Case Medical develop it?

Digital visualization helps staff identify trays faster and reduce manual steps. It was developed to address clutter and search time. Photographed and barcoded trays support faster turnaround and better standardization across the facility.

How can CaseTrak360 improve tray identification, traceability, and access to information?

CaseTrak360 links barcodes to tray and container details with a simple scan. Staff can access the UDI, multilingual IFU, set lists, photos, and correct tray-to-container association, helping support faster identification, improved traceability, and a more paperless workflow.

How does barcode identification on containers, trays, and instruments help?

Barcode identification helps facilities label and track containers, trays, and instruments without adhesive labels that can leave residue. A reusable metal ID plaque can provide more detailed information and help improve tray association, asset management, and access to information at the point of use.

Why is CaseTrak360 managed with a 2D barcode rather than a 1D barcode?

2D barcodes can hold significantly more information than 1D barcodes, making them more useful for tray identification, traceability, and quick access to details. They can link staff directly to relevant information, images, and instructions with a simple scan, helping support a more efficient workflow.

How can CaseTrak360 help protect against cyber threats?

CaseTrak360 is designed with cybersecurity in mind. Our software is ISO 27001 certified, exceeding NIST requirements for data security. Hosted in the cloud through AWS, it helps reduce exposure to local cyber attacks while providing a secure SaaS solution.

Workflow Standardization, Transport, and Tray Management

Why should I use a multi-step process when one cleaner is available to do the job?

Each step in decontamination has a different purpose. Enzymes help break down organic soil, detergents support cleaning, and all chemistry must be thoroughly rinsed away. Case Medical cleaners are validated for manual or automated processes and, because they are free rinsing, help remove soil and dried-on residue effectively.

Do I have to additionally purchase perforated bottom containers for low-temperature sterilization?

Not anymore! Case Medical validated our full line of SteriTite containers with solid bases for both pre-vacuum steam and Steris V-Pro. This saves money on disposables and avoids base filter errors.

Why does universal compatibility matter in instrument processing?

Universal compatibility simplifies processing by reducing the need for multiple products. This lowers inventory, reduces duplication, and improves efficiency across various sterilization modalities, devices, and water types.

Why do compatible consumables matter in instrument processing?

Compatible consumables help the system perform as intended. When cleaners, filters, seals, and other components are designed to work together, facilities can support safety, reliability, and product longevity while reducing avoidable wear, workflow problems, and unnecessary cost.

Why are case carts important for safe and efficient transport to and from the OR?

Case carts help organize and transport procedure trays, supplies, and loaner sets safely between SPD and the OR. They are especially helpful for heavy sets and multi-tray procedures, while also helping protect sterile goods and improve loading, identification, and handling.

Are SteriTite containers validated for loaner drop-ins?

Yes! We can containerize virtually any loaner tray. With SteriTite containers, you can drop your loaner sets into universally validated DIN-sized containers to avoid costly reprocessing delays and increase turnaround time.

How can containerizing loaner trays improve safety, efficiency, and standardization?

Containerizing loaner trays can reduce weight, simplify handling, and support a more standardized workflow. It can improve fit for processing and transport, reduce excess inventory, and make trays easier to manage across centralized or offsite processing environments while supporting greater consistency systemwide.

How can custom trays support standardization, ease of use, and faster turnover across a healthcare system?

Custom trays help standardize sets across departments and sites, making them easier to use, process, and manage. Removing excess instruments can reduce weight, simplify reprocessing, improve turnover, and support more practical tray design while still allowing room for surgeon-specific preferences.

Sterile Processing Best Practices

Why is cleaning the critical first step in instrument processing?

Cleaning removes dirt and organic matter where germs can hide. This allows disinfection and sterilization to work effectively while protecting device life and reducing infection risks.

How do I test the surface seal of my rigid sterilization containers?

Place a permanent mark on your container surface and use Case Medical’s CSR remover. If a shadow of the mark remains, the surface is degraded and the container may need to be removed from service.

Should I be cleaning my sterilization containers and trays with wet wipes?

No. Disinfecting wipes with quaternary compounds or caustic chemicals can damage the anodized surface of containers. Case Medical offers a fast-acting, pH-neutral multi-enzymatic wipe as a safer alternative.

What should you do if an indicator does not perform as expected?

An unexpected indicator result should prompt a review of the process, not automatic blame of the container or indicator. If the cycle and BI passed, check placement, comparison, and interpretation. A side-by-side trial may help determine whether the issue is interpretation.

Why does pre-treating or pre-heating matter before sterilization?

Pre-treating or pre-heating helps the sterilizer and load reach the right conditions for a successful cycle. Because metal trays heat and cool quickly, warming the load can improve consistency and reduce avoidable interruptions in both steam and low-temperature sterilization.

Why are wet loads a concern in sterile processing?

Moisture can create a pathway for contamination. Wet packs and wet sets should be treated as a process failure and investigated. Common causes include sterilizer performance, load configuration, and set preparation.

What should facilities know about IUSS?

Immediate Use Steam Sterilization is typically reserved for emergencies and should be documented. One key concern is limited or eliminated dry time, which can result in wet devices. Supporting dry time and terminal sterilization whenever possible can help promote a safer outcome.

What causes white residue on medical devices and how can it be reduced?

White residue is usually a chemistry or water-quality issue. Common causes include mineral buildup or inadequate rinsing. Using RO water for rinsing and pH-neutral chemistry can help significantly reduce residue.

Returns and Repairs

How should products be packaged for return or repair?

New products must be in original packaging. Items sent for repair must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. For protection in transit, wrap the tray and container in plastic and place them in a properly fitted cardboard box.

What should facilities know about returns and repairs?

Returns and repairs go more smoothly when products are checked promptly at delivery and handled carefully from the start. Keep potential returns in original packaging, especially for new products. Repair items should be clean, decontaminated, and properly packaged before return.

How do I repair a dulled or degraded surface of a sterilization container after repeated use in vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizers?

Here’s a simple method to revive your dull, potentially degraded containers. It may not be pretty or shiny, but the steam in the autoclave may be enough to repair the damaged surface seal after cleaning and a thorough rinse.

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