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M A N A G E M E N T
all disposal costs. They
also reduce room turnover times. You'll pay a premium price for all those benefits, but it's an investment that might be worth making for high-volume orthopedic facilities.
Last year's FDA recall of
Stryker Neptune systems has complicated things. Current users can continue to use the devices until March 2014 as long as they post warnings on the units, undergo company-sponsored in-services, sign device-related competencies and complete checklists after each use. If you're shopping for a new system, you'll have to focus on the alternatives.
OSM
FLUID FACTS
Inside the Numbers
25% to 40% Percentage of hospital regulated medical waste comprised of suction canisters
3L Fluid capacity of a single suction canister
8 lbs. Approximate weight of a filled suction canister
$0.28 Average cost per pound to dispose of regulated medical waste
$5 to $30 Average per cost of fluid waste solidifiers
$35,280 Approximate regulated waste disposal costs for a hospital that performs 7,000 surgeries a year
$105,000 The hospital's annual cost for solidifiers
$25,0000 Approximate initial capital investment for an automatic direct-to-drain fluid management system
$15 to $20 Per-case costs of disposable manifolds or lids used with direct-to-drain fluid management systems
SOURCE: Practice Greenhealth
Mr. Spurgin (bob.spurgin@spurginassociates.com) is a nationally recognized expert in the field of medical waste who works to maximize compliance and minimize waste disposal costs. His website (www.spurginassociates.com) includes additional information about waste disposal options.
