Envirogen launches its thermal sanitization range of healthcare water purification solutions, EndoTherm, today. Available immediately, the range meets the new Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) ST108 standard for the cleaning of reusable endoscopes in sterile processing departments (SPDs), or Central Sterile Services Departments or CSSDs.
EndoTherm ensures the delivery of purified water to all makes and models of endoscope washers, autoclaves, washer-disinfectors, and sterilizers.
The newly established AAMI ST108 replaces the lower specification AAMI TIR34 guidelines. By deploying EndoTherm, SPDs will meet this new, more stringent water quality standard in the United States.
AAMI ST108 has been driven by the increasing number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) that patients acquire when receiving healthcare. When water is not adequately treated it can be a source cross-contamination of re-usable endoscopes and other surgical instruments, and therefore a threat to patient wellbeing. AAMI ST108 is designed to reduce the risk of HAIs by providing guidance on the selection and maintenance of water for the processing of reusable medical devices.
“By placing significant emphasis on water system design, monitoring, testing, and maintenance, AAMI ST108 enables SPDs to uphold the highest standards of sterility during the cleaning process of reusable medical devices,” says Envirogen Group CEO Joe Higgins.
“SPDs that have not prepared for the new standard can do so now to ensure a quick and seamless transition and gain optimal sterility. In order to run at high standards and maximum efficiency, all sterilization and disinfection equipment relies on a supply of clean, pure water, free from particles, bacteria, and dissolved contaminants. That’s where AAMI ST108 and EndoTherm come in.”
Ahead of the curve
EndoTherm harnesses Envirogen’s proven, extensive world-class expertise, leveraging more than 15 years’ R&D experience in UK healthcare to reach the standard that AAMI targeted for 2023.
“Endotherm systems are proven to an equivalent standard in the UK. Our product development for them put us ahead of the curve in the US, which is why we can deliver now, provide support nationwide and have great confidence in our offering,” says Higgins.
“The UK has one of the highest water quality standards in the world for surgical cleaning facilities. Consequently, there are hundreds of EndoTherm customer installs, supported by excellent case studies and reference site lists.”
Sizes to fit any requirement
EndoTherm systems produce water that meets AAMI water quality specifications by integrating water purification, distribution and data monitoring. Whether end users have one endoscope washer or multiple washers, there is a size to fit:
- EndoTherm Mini. This small footprint model is a simplex system with a single RO stream for supply to single or multiple washers. Various outputs in terms of gallons per hour are available.
- EndoTherm Duo. With this duplex RO system one stream can be fully functional during ongoing maintenance and servicing, providing uninterrupted supply. Various outputs, models and options are available.
- EndoTherm Modular. This system is a duplex reverse osmosis plant for large, centralized endoscopy and sterile processing departments.
Recommended
Thanks to their compatibility, straightforward operation and slim design, EndoTherm systems are recommended by many Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AERs), washer, and autoclave manufacturers, because of the high-water quality achieved. The systems meet the highest standards in many parts of the world, including HTM01-06 (Health Technical Memorandum 01-06) in the UK, ISO15883 (International Organization for Standardization 15883) internationally, AS/NZ 4187 (Australian and New Zealand standard for reprocessing of reusable medical devices), and now AAMI ST108) in the United States.
EndoTherm’s track record and strict adherence to standards guarantees optimal cleaning reliability, and therefore minimum downtime and maximum operational efficiency.
In addition to EndoTherm, Envirogen provides an extensive range of pre-treatment water solutions, including water softeners to protect EndoTherm systems, and installation of ring main connections
Partnering with Envirogen to meet AAMI ST108
SPDs can partner with Envirogen today to benefit from the company’s trusted solutions for healthcare water purification, and free consultation backed by deep experience in the sector.
Envirogen is a leading international provider of water and wastewater treatment solutions. The company solves complex challenges relating to water availability and quality, and helps its customers to increase productivity, reduce costs and meet environmental and sustainability targets.
This is achieved through offering:
- Best in class water and wastewater treatment and process treatment technology
- Expertise in design, project management and engineering
- World class manufacturing and servicing capability.
