E Med Future Gains FDA Approval to Market NeedleZap in the U.S.; New Technology Intended to Help Reduce Danger of Accidental Needlesticks

COLUMBUS, Ohio-- E Med Future, Inc. announces that it has received an approval order from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its medical device NeedleZap in the United States.

NeedleZap is a safety device that disintegrates the sharp portion of a hypodermic needle. It was developed specifically to help reduce accidental needlestick injuries in the workplace. When a hypodermic needle is inserted into the unit, the patented electrode system disintegrates the needle at 2200 degrees Fahrenheit in approximately two seconds, leaving the syringe intact.

According to E Med Future president Bob Ochsendorf, "NeedleZap is an economical and logical approach to the problem of accidental needlesticks. We're pleased to be able to market NeedleZap to the healthcare community."

With the approval order from the FDA, the applications for NeedleZap are far-reaching and include healthcare facilities and treatment centers.

The American Nursing Association (ANA) has estimated that 1 million accidental needlesticks reported in the United States in the healthcare industry alone. The ANA also estimates the cost of a single high-risk needlestick injury is approximately $3,000 and more when follow-up testing, lost time and disability payments are factored in.

Since statistics show that approximately 95 percent of all needlestick injuries occur to the hand not holding the needle, NeedleZap was designed to operate with one hand. The device is small, lightweight and can handle a variety of needle sizes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 62 to 88 percent of sharps injuries can potentially be prevented by use of safer medical devices.

"Employers can benefit greatly from our product," said Ochsendorf. "NeedleZap is an effective, affordable way to help reduce the danger, potential liability and anguish that can result from accidental needlesticks."

In 1999, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised directive stressing the use of safer medical devices to help reduce needlesticks and other sharps injuries in the workplace. OSHA requires any employer with one or more employees working in an environment where needlesticks may occur to take full advantage of new technology that may reduce this hazard.

In addition to important safety benefits, NeedleZap can reduce the costs of biohazard disposal. By eliminating the sharp portion of a syringe, a typical sharps container can hold approximately 30 to 35 percent more syringes once the needle has been destroyed.

NeedleZap units operate on low voltage rechargeable batteries and come complete with charger. The unit has a one-year manufacturer's limited warranty and must be used in conjunction with proper disposal methods.

NeedleZap has received the endorsement of the National Association of Subacute and Post Acute Care (NASPAC).

Source: E Med Future, Inc.