Reprocessing Medical Equipment

Materials Management instituted a reprocessing medical equipment program. The FDA oversees and regulates the practice of reprocessing with significant oversight from Congress. Reprocessors must submit 510(k)s and receive clearance from the FDA. The FDA requires that devices are clean and sterile as well as safe and effective (substantially equivalent) for their intended use as the devices were when new. The Hospital currently reprocess the following equipment:

• Pulse Oximeter Sensor
• Electophysiology Catheters
• Sequential Compression Sleeves
• Laparoscopic Instruments

In 2009, the Hospital reprocessed and diverted from landfills 80,985 devices equal to nearly 20,000 pounds of waste and saving over $600,000.