Infection Control Today - 03/2003: TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

Spectrum Surgical Instruments

Spectrumannounces the design of two new nylon bristle brushes to assist in the weeklycleaning of steam sterilizers. Designed with a telescopic handle which convertsfrom 24 inches to 48 inches, the brushes allow for adequate chamber-wallcleaning. The brush head features round bristle edges to clean corners. The handbrush is intended for localized cleaning, plus use on the sterilizer door. (800)444-5644 or www.spectrumsurgical.com

Miltex, Inc.

TheMiltex stainless steel Disposable Safety Scalpel is engineered for safety andsimplicity and complies with the OSHA directive to meet the Needlestick Safetyand Prevention Act. The scalpel features a retractable blade and is available insizes #10, #11 and #15. The one-hand operation facilitates the blade glidingeasily into the locked position and the safety mechanism returns the exposedblade to the covered position any time during the procedure. (866) 854-8400 or www.miltex.com

Becton Dickinson

The new Autoguard Pro shielded IV catheter is the first passive version ofBD's Autoguard family of IV catheters. The Autoguard Pro shielded IV catheterincorporates a unique passive retraction feature developed by Med-DesignCorporation and licensed exclusively to BD. The spring-based technologyautomatically retracts the insertion needle into a shielded housing as theclinician withdraws the needle from the catheter after insertion into the vein.BD pioneered the development of safety-engineered "sharps" devicesdesigned to protect health care workers against accidental sharps injuries,introducing its first safety-engineered product in 1989. BD has investedhundreds of millions of dollars in safety-engineered products and services,including extensive clinical training and education programs and newmanufacturing, to meet increased demand following the passage of state andnational needle safety legislation. The company holds more than 160 U.S. patentsin the safety-engineered area and today sells over 300 such products forinjection, blood collection, infusion therapy, surgery and sharps disposal. www.bd.com.

Augustine Medical

TheBair Paws patient adjustable warming system combines patient gowning and warmingin one easy step by using a small forced-air warming unit to deliver warmed airthrough a hose to channels in a warming gown. The system is designed to replacetraditional patient gowns and the need for nurses to continually replace warmedcotton blankets on patients who are waiting for or recovering from surgery.Patients can adjust the air temperature in the system to a comfortable levelusing a hand-held temperature controller. After surgery, the attending nurse canreconnect a Bair Paws warming unit to the warming gown and set the temperatureto help comfort patients while they recover from anesthesia. (800) 800-4346 or www.augustinemedical.com

Triad Disposables

TriadAntiseptic Hand Gel is a convenient way to help prevent bacterialcross-contamination. This fast-acting, waterless gel leaves no sticky or tackyresidue on the skin and is more manageable to apply than alcohol liquids. TriadAntiseptic Hand Gel is mildly scented and contains conditioners to minimize skinirritation and dryness. The gel is available in various sizes, including aportable 5-gram pouch and 4-ounce bottle. (800) 288-1288 or www.triad-group.net