We just returned from the HSPA Conference in Louisville Kentucky and learned a few things that can be improved for safe and effective medical device reprocessing. One that is top of mind was water quality. Another was the need for training given the complexity of cleaning devices, like endoscopes. Our educational games were a hit with the attendees who learned best pratices in a fun-filled, interactive game. Lots of folks we met were concerned about device degradation and whether their water treatment systems were adequate for the intended use of medical device processing. In many cases, there was an expressed need to do something about water quality, but the cost of installing a new system was not in the budget.

We thought so, until we held a Hands-On Workshop on Saturday where we performed several experiments and reviewed three (3) different local utility water reports. We discovered that besides the usual minerals and hard water deposits in the water, several hazardous chemicals were identified. These include arsenic, lead, PFAS, cyanide, copper, and even uranium in water deemed “safe to drink”. Yes, these were below acceptable limits. However, consider the variety and toxicity of these chemicals, would you feel safe drinking the water from the tap without doing something about it?

Adding chemicals to our process may not be the best practice. When we use multiple wash steps to clean devices, we add chemicals each step of the way, which then get released directly into the wastewater stream. Some folks tell us that eliminating rinsing can reduce water consumption. Is that where the 15 second rinse came from? Each chemical added uses water when formulated in solution and when diluted for use. We understand the need to preserve water for future generations. Nonetheless, adding wash steps with chemicals pollutes our reservoirs and is unnecessary and costly. In fact, treating water with softening and chemical additives may sound like a good idea, but filtering does no harm and can be significantly less expensive and certainly safer as no chemical additives are used.

It doesn’t take too much to consider how high purity water can be obtained in fewer steps and without chemical additives. Sodium bi-sulfate, a white powdery additive, commonly recommended as a pre-treatment step, when added to water produces a smell like rotten eggs and becomes sulfuric acid in water. Opps, is this truly necessary? Here’s a better solution. Start with a pre-filter, inexpensive and readily available to remove sediment, particulate matter and to preserve the use life of the more costly RO membrane. It’s simple and cost effective. RO produces high purity water necessary for cleaning and specifically for rinsing medical devices. The pre-filter assures that your wash water is now safer for staff and patients and for cleaning your critical devices. If you must recycle your water, filter after each use.

We recycle water in our manufacturing facility but filter before each use.

Case Medical supports best pratices and sustainability. We are recognized by the State of NJ CIANJ for Environmental Innovation, by The Chemical Footprint Project as a National Front Runner and by EPA Safer Choice as a 2024 Partner of the Year. Contact Case Medical for a water assessment, your Case Medical representative can do it. Then reach out to us for a cost-effective plan that meets your budget and sustainability goals for high purity water in only two steps.

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Kindest Regards,

Marcia Frieze and the Case Medical team