HYDRIM® G4 Series
Automated instrument washing enhances efficiency and safety
Karen Daw, MBA
After graduating from the Ohio State University, I worked as assistant director for the Sterilization Mon-itoring Service at the College of Dentistry and soon after, became an authorized trainer for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and public speaker. These endeavors allowed me to do what I enjoy most: educate students about infection control.
Dental students are now graduating with some of the largest educational debts imaginable. It was in this spirit that I conducted a preliminary calculation of how much time could be saved using instrument cassettes in combination with an automated washing system. The savings were phenomenal because time was being freed up for the dental assistant to focus on revenue-generating procedures for the practice.
I recommend the SciCan HYDRIM® instrument washer because it not only reduces the possibility of injury but is also a time-saver. Ultrasonic cleaners offer another automated process to clean instruments, which involves: 1) placing the received instruments in a presoak solution; 2) rinsing; 3) ultrasonic cleaning; 4) rinsing again; and finally, 5) drying and bagging for sterilization. The HYDRIM takes the place of steps 1 through 5 so that the instruments can be wrapped or bagged immediately after cleaning and then placed directly into the sterilizer.
Modern dental practices cannot afford to implement equipment that does not contribute to efficiency in the office. With an instrument washer, you can just set it and move on to other tasks. Instrument washers are easy to use, and their footprint is amenable to even small instrument processing areas. Additionally, from a safety standpoint, many agree that automated cleaning is preferable to manual cleaning.
Clearly, automated washers represent the future of instrument processing, as today's equipment drastically reduces steps and increases safety. Plus, if there is ever a problem, the information needed for remote diagnosis can be sent via email to the local dealer representative. This saves considerable time and effort.
Understandably, when a practice is deciding whether to switch to an automated instrument washer, cost is a factor. Therefore, I advise asking the dealer representative for a complimentary assessment to determine if an instrument washer, in combination with a cassette system, is a good fit for the office. This can reveal how long it might take to recoup the initial investment and how much the practice can save long-term. Also, the doctor should seek the opinion of team members responsible for instrument processing.
The right equipment, such as a HYDRIM, can promote a safer work environment, increase productivity, and improve employee morale. That is something you cannot put a price on.
Key Takeaways
1. Efficiency: HYDRIMautomated instrument washing units are available with countertop or under-the-counter, steri-center installation.
2. Technology: G4 web portal includes data storage, service logs, and remote access capabilities.
3. Dependability: The SciCan instrument washers offer improved serviceability and high reliability while requiring minimal maintenance.
4. Repeatability: G4 technology ensures repeatable washing performance, guaranteeing that all instruments receive the same cleaning process.
Manufacturer information
SciCan, Inc.
scicanusa.com
800-572-1211
About the Author
Karen Daw, MBA
Karen Daw Consulting LLC
Columbus, Ohio
