Do you remember the story of the Little Engine that could? It’s about determination. It's clear that pulling the train over the mountain is not easy for the little engine. The little engine's repetition of 'I think I can' represents the power of determination and is a metaphor for reaching any challenging goal.
Still chugging along
Our SteriTite container system, developed in the 1990’s, uniquely compatible with all sterilization modalities, continues to surprise us with successful outcomes under the most challenging conditions. Our solid bottom container met the challenge once again. We are so pleased to inform you that our SteriTite universal container system received a new FDA 510k for use in another low temperature sterilization modality replacing our perforated bottom SteriTite container for Steris V-Pro maX, maX2, s2 and 60 as the SteriTite “Universal” Container System winner of the year!
Our Journey
Who knew 28 years ago when we developed our SteriTite container, that now in 2024, that the very same SteriTite container system would continue to be the world’s most compatible sealed container system. I remember in 1997 when we got our first 510k for gravity and pre-vacuum steam sterilization, folks wondered why a small NJ company making custom trays on an OEM basis for the ortho-spine ventured to make a DIN sized container for loaners and consignment trays which were then wrapped. We did it because you asked us to.
How could you…
Then in 2000, I was confronted by a competitor who questioned my “audacity” to develop a STERRAD compatible, anodized and passivated sealed container, validate it, and obtain FDA 510k clearance when no one thought that metal trays would even work in gas plasma. At the time, it was the same SteriTite container model cleared for gravity displacement steam with perforated base that was needed. Nothing new, just a better product that met the challenge of the times.
Meeting the Needs
Bringing us up to date…Then, on July 31, 2024 (just last week) we received a new FDA 510k for the very same SteriTite container now with solid base for Steris V-Pro. Lighter in weight, ideal for transport, requiring less consumables, contributing to faster turn- around with less errors, no missing bottom filters, now fully compatible with Steris V-Pro maX, maX2, s2 and 60. What’s changed? Absolutely nothing at all when it comes to SteriTite. What changed was technology, sterilizers with pre-treatment cycles, that pre-heat the load and provide a better vacuum. The sterilizers on the market changed, but SteriTite the very same durable, universally compatible container system, previously cleared decades ago worked as planned.
Why SteriTite is Ideal for Standardization
The SteriTite® Universal Container system consists of a family of rigid reusable containers and inserts that provide an effective reusable sterilization packaging system for operating room instruments. All parts are interchangeable and manufactured from only three materials; fast drying anodized aluminum (the “greenest of all metals”, passivated stainless hardware, silicone gaskets and organizational components that can be used to configure any procedure tray, a validated sterilization system that maintains sterility until it is used (up to 365 days). Use it for steam sterilization and for all current low temperature sterilization modalities. Guaranteed for terminal steam sterilization in a flash when you provide a minimum of 5 to 8 minutes of dry- time.
What this means for you
No filters or retention plates are needed in the base! This translates to nearly a one-pound reduction in weight, less filters, less expense, no need to assemble or check the filters in the base, and more compatibility, less inventory, fewer components and universal compatibility which is ideal for standardization. Simply clean with pH neutral detergents or enzymatic cleaners, ours are U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified, followed by a thorough rinse. That is all that is needed. SteriTite, like “ the little engine that could” will last for years to come, ready to respond to the sterilization requirements of the next technological innovation. And if anyone tells you different, click here for the press release and 510K confirmation.
And here's what you can do:
Help us standardize our sytem for your benefit: contact your ASP representative if you believe like we do that the SteriTite solid bottom container can pass with ALL CLEAR TECHNOLOGY, too.
Visit us anytime at www.casemed.com to learn more about our products and services. We are here to help. Case Medical is a U.S. EPA SAFER CHOICE Partner or the Year for Manufacturer Formulator and recognized in NJ as Innovative Manufacturer of the Year.
Kindest Regards,
