+PLUSPAK (polymer bottle) Packaging Receives GE's Distinguished ecomagination(SM) Approval

PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- GE Healthcare is proud to announce that +PLUSPAK (polymer bottle) packaging is now included in the company's ecomagination(SM) campaign.  +PLUSPAK, an innovative packaging container for contrast media, offers significant advantages over traditional glass packaging including reduced storage,(1) improved workplace safety for healthcare workers who administer contrast media to patients, and decreased cost of waste disposal.(1,2)

Radiology departments using the innovative GE Healthcare +PLUSPAK packaging can reduce contrast media red bag waste weight by more than 75 percent.(4)  +PLUSPAK features a metal-free, twist-off cap that is easy to open and avoids cuts from metal crimps.(1)  +PLUSPAK is made of unbreakable polypropylene, which eliminates danger of glass breakage and undesirable outcomes that can occur with resulting shards of glass.(4)

A survey conducted by the College of Radiographers showed that by replacing traditional contrast media glass packaging with GE Healthcare's +PLUSPAK, a department of 24 radiographers could eliminate sharps wounds associated with glass packaging.(4)  The same survey showed that the department could improve productivity by saving approximately 3.5 hours a month typically spent treating sharps injuries while also reducing the associated risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.(1)

"This innovative product aligns with our commitment to workplace safety, as well as reducing environmental impact," said Craig Small, Senior Brand Manager, X-ray Products, GE Healthcare Medical Diagnostics.  "We are very proud to offer +PLUSPAK to our customers and excited about the development of future products that will enhance workplace safety and be environmentally friendly.  Because of these features, +PLUSPAK has been appointed the prestigious status of being a GE Healthcare-approved ecomagination product."

+PLUSPAK packaging dovetails with the GE's ecomagination criteria for improving workplace safety and convenience. +PLUSPAK packaging offers significant timesaving, cost-saving and environmental advantages over the glass packaging traditionally used to package contrast media.

All GE Healthcare iodinated and MRI contrast media products are available in +PLUSPAK packaging.

Going Green and ecomagination(SM)

A radiology department using +PLUSPAK can shrink the weight of its contrast media medical waste by more than 75%.(3)  According to an analysis conducted by GE Healthcare, hospitals purchasing more than 54,000 bottles of contrast media per year could reduce annual contrast media medical waste by 3,800 pounds using GE Healthcare's +PLUSPAK instead of comparable glass packaging.(1)

ABOUT GE HEALTHCARE:

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services that are shaping a new age of patient care. Our broad expertise in medical imaging and information technologies, medical diagnostics, patient monitoring systems, drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies, performance improvement and performance solutions services help our customers to deliver better care to more people around the world at a lower cost. In addition, we partner with healthcare leaders, striving to leverage the global policy change necessary to implement a successful shift to sustainable healthcare systems.

Our "healthymagination" vision for the future invites the world to join us on our journey as we continuously develop innovations focused on reducing costs, increasing access and improving quality and efficiency around the world. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, GE Healthcare is a $16 billion unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). Worldwide, GE Healthcare employs more than 46,000 people committed to serving healthcare professionals and their patients in more than 100 countries. For more information about GE Healthcare, visit our web site at: www.gehealthcare.com.

For our latest news, please visit http://newsroom.gehealthcare.com

(1) Marshall G. Sharps injuries among radiographers: Dangers associated with opening bottles of contrast agent. Radiography. 2006; 10:1-7

(2) Gricar JA, Harries-Jones H. Assessing the economic and safety impact of glass versus polymer containers in a radiology department. Presented at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research 9th Annual European Congress 28-31, 2006.

(3) Atkins JM. Safety standards and implications for the use of contrast media. Appl Radiol. 2006; 35 (suppl):1-7

(4) Data on file, GE Healthcare. 2010

SOURCE GE Healthcare

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