Sustainability

How Reprocessing Works

The Difference Between Hospital-Based and Third-Party Reprocessing

Hospital-based reprocessing is limited to reusable devices and includes only cleaning and sterilization. Reprocessing single-use devices is a highly regulated, complex process, requiring the expertise of a third-party reprocessor to meet requirements established by the FDA.

Third-party reprocessing includes:

Reusable and single-use devices
Proven methods for decontamination and cleaning, sterilization, refurbishment and functional testing that meet FDA guidelines.

How we reprocess single-use devices

To reprocess and sell single-use devices, we must prove, to the FDAs satisfaction, that we meet or exceed functional requirements. Highly-trained technicians inspect each device multiple times throughout the process and only those passing all inspections and functional tests progress to the next step. Our team of engineers, scientists and technicians work together to develop and validate processes that enable us to decontaminate and clean, functionally test and sterilize devices for at least one additional use.

DELIVERING RESULTS¹

These are examples only and do not guarantee or predict future results, which will vary depending on individual circumstances

$8.6M

Estimated annual savings from utilizing reprocessed single-use devices

281K lb.

Regulated medical waste diverted from landfills

171K lb.

Estimated reduction in CO₂ emissions

^{1. Business Review Report (Account #6049). October 2015 – September 2016. Sterilmed, Inc.}