ASP Assists Healthcare Facilities With Transition From the STERIS System 1(R)

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the safety alert issued by FDA on December 3, 2009 regarding the STERIS System 1®, Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) has developed comprehensive solutions, new resources, financial assistance and educational initiatives to help those complying with the FDA safety alert better navigate through the transition, including an informational Webinar series that launches Friday, February 12.

The Webinar series will provide important information for healthcare professionals concerned about the steps to ensure a smooth transition. The first ASP-sponsored Webinar, "Transitioning from the STERIS System 1?" aims to help facilities maintain standards of patient care and infection prevention by answering pressing questions such as:

• What are ASP's alternatives to the SS1?
• How do I minimize impact on staff and avoid interruptions to procedures?
• How do I start making the transition and what do I need to know now?
• What will the sterilization process be after the transition and will it result in a higher standard of care?  
• What financial and educational assistance is ASP offering to help facilities with the transition?

Participants will hear from a panel of ASP representatives who have been working firsthand with facilities as they transition from the SS1. Participant questions will be answered at the conclusion of the Webinar. The Webinar is free of charge and will be held on February 12, 2010 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET. Registration can be accessed at http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=65597. More Webinars will be scheduled in the future.  

"ASP understands this situation poses a significant challenge to the healthcare community, and we've responded by ramping up our supply, service and education, developing financial programs, and accelerating the launch of ASP's Operating Room (OR) Solution to bring true, terminal sterilization to the OR," said Chuck Austin, ASP Worldwide President. "ASP's sterilization and high-level disinfection technologies are proven performers and designed to raise the bar in terms of patient care standards and infection prevention."

OR Solution for Terminal Sterilization

ASP's OR Solution is a comprehensive blend of technologies, processes and education designed to optimize sterilization within an operating room setting. At the core of ASP's OR Solution is the compact STERRAD® NX(TM) Sterilization System. The STERRAD® NX(TM) System provides fast, gentle, low-temperature terminal sterilization of surgical instruments and is endorsed by leading Medical Device Manufacturers (MDMs). The entire suite of STERRAD® Systems is founded on the principle of terminal sterilization and has a solid performance and safety record with more than 15,000 systems installed worldwide. In addition, STERRAD® Systems are environmentally friendly as they do not require aeration or ventilation – the only byproducts of use are oxygen and water vapor.

Other features of the OR Solution include:

• ASP's STERRAD® Sterility Guide, which provides customers with an online database of devices that fall within cleared sterility claims.
• Financial discounts for facilities replacing an SS1, as well as attractive financing and leasing options.
• Transition support from ASP's highly skilled team of field service engineers, dedicated technical support staff, and licensed clinical education professionals.
• Innovative packaging solutions, such as APTIMAX Instrument Trays, self-sealing pouches and closed containers.

Alternative for High-Level Disinfection

ASP's EVOTECH® Endoscope Cleaner and Reprocessor (ECR) is the first commercially available system in the United States that both cleans and high level disinfects endoscopes. The EVOTECH® ECR makes endoscope reprocessing an automated process, eliminating tedious brushing,* resulting in complete confidence that endoscope reprocessing is safe, fast and consistent each time.

Product Availability and Financial Assistance

To ensure that healthcare facilities can swiftly move to alternative solutions provided by ASP, the company has increased its supply and manufacturing capacity. In fact, the current delivery timeframes for all units is only 30 to 90 days, depending on the system and quantity ordered. ASP has also adjusted its financial terms and created new financial options and financing programs, including a discount program to help address the cost and payment challenges.

For more information, please contact 1-888-783-7723.  ASP's team of experts is available to provide immediate support and is committed to helping you make this transition.

About ASP:

Protecting Lives Against Infection(TM)

Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) division of Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, has a long track record of designing and delivering innovative infection prevention solutions that dramatically raise the level of healthcare and safety for those who matter most. Our pioneering technology, global distribution, and established leadership position enable us to simplify the process of buying and operating infection prevention products and services every day, for thousands of medical facilities around the world. This in turn enables our customers to focus on what they do best - preventing infection and saving lives. For more information, please visit: www.aspjj.com.

*Manual cleaning of medical devices (endoscopes) is not required prior to placement in the EVOTECH® ECR when selecting those cycles that contain a wash stage, but the system does not eliminate bedside precleaning.

© Ethicon, Inc. 2010.  All rights reserved.

STERIS SYSTEM 1 is a registered trademark of the Steris Corporation.

SOURCE ASP