Device Manufacturers

Total responses to date = 43. Answers were as follows:

What is the most difficult problem you are having with the device manufacturers and their instructions for cleaning and sterilizing your medical devices?

28% of those answering complained that they never receive instructions at all!

Some comments:

• "not receiving them ..."
• "The most difficult problem is getting the instructions in the first place! Most sales reps do not want to be bothered..."
• "Many of them (not the majority) don't appear to know what they are talking about."
• "Manufacturers do not always include instructions for Sterrad sterilization."
• "Lack of instructions or lack of understanding they are needed..."
• "They look at you like nobody has ever asked for the manufacturers recommendations before..."

40% of answers cited that instructions were not detailed or unspecific

Some comments:

• "Unclear directions."
• "the instructions are not specific enough...."
• "vague instructions..."
• "Instructions are too basic, not enough detail. No regional or local rep to provide assistance."
• "The directions may indicate steam without time and temp or they may indicate to follow your own procedures."
• "They do not give information on how to disassemble and clean..."

12% claimed unrealistic instructions or just getting set standards

Some comments:

• "European cycles which are not the same..."
• "Autoclave according to hospital practice..."
• "...using set standards such as AAMI, and increasing the parameters as an added safety feature....creating abnormal cycle times..."
  

Our thanks to all those who responded. We'd like to point out that this topic will be the subject of a Panel Discussion at our Annual Meeting in Cleveland. The discussion will be monitored by Anne Cofiell. (See details here)

Our thanks to all those who responded.  

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