 Device
Description
The
SHARPS
free™SMS-1
is the first and only “automated” syringe management system.
It automatically extracts the needle from the syringe and
deposits each of them into separate cartridges for safe
disposal. Each cartridge is designed to hold 100+ needles or
syringes. The SMS-1 is configured to remove needles of
various lengths (1/2”-1 1/2” lengths),
various gauges (16ga-31ga), from syringes of various volumes (3cc – 20cc). This is
one of a family of products available today that eliminate
the “sharp” portion of the syringe entirely. The dimensions
of the product are approximately those of a typical shoebox
(16”X10”X10”) and it weighs 14 lbs. The Product comes
supplied with a rechargeable battery and an AC powered
recharging system. This product was developed for use in all
healthcare settings such as hospitals/clinics, dental
clinics, long-term care facilities, veterinary facilities as
well as prisons, drug rehabilitation centers, etc. where
total containment for safety and security control is needed.
The SMS-1 can also be used in “portable” health care
settings such as emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire
trucks, police cars), U.S. Military field operations, world
health care organizations and various emergency relief
organizations operations.
Additionally, as an option, the SMS-1 has the ability to
provide complete accountability of the entire syringe
processing activities. It can provide time stamping, syringe
size, as well as other critical data for complete record
keeping purposes.
Safety
features and benefits
The SMS-1 allows for a one
handed operation from the time the syringe/needle is used to
the point of placing the used syringe/needle onto the SMS-1
receiving tray. The product is easy to use and no operator
training is required. Additionally, there is no operator
intervention required during the processing of the syringes.
The possibility of accidental needlestick injuries is almost
completely eliminated. The needle and syringe cartridges
are made of molded puncture resistant ABS plastic and are
locked upon removal from the SMS-1. The fact that both the
needles and the syringe bodies are fully contained
eliminates the risk for waste handlers who subsequently
handle the “sharps” cartridges for disposal and helps to
prevent any inappropriate reuse of syringes. The cost of
biohazard waste disposal, for a Health Care provider, can be
significantly reduced if the used syringes (less needles)
are reclaimed or recycled.
There
are no sparks or fumes emitted during operation, therefore
the SMS-1 is not “contra-indicated in a gaseous environment”
and is safe to use in any environment. The SMS-1 helps bring
healthcare providers into compliance with the OSHA
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and the Needlestick Safety and
Prevention Act of 2000, which requires any employer with one
or more employees working in an environment where
needlesticks may occur to take full advantage of new
technologies that can reduce the chances of this hazard.
Additionally, the SMS-1 eliminates the possibility of
secondary use of the syringe.
Mechanics of
the device
The SMS-1 has a series of LEDs
to indicate the status of the device (Ready, Processing,
Cartridge Full, Low battery). The SMS-1, through artificial
intelligence, automatically begins processing the syringe
after it is placed in the receiving opening. Once the
syringe is positioned, heater heads are brought into contact
with the “needle/luer set” to heat the luer thus allowing
the needle to be extracted from the syringe. Once the
needle is extracted, the heater heads compress and seal the
luer rendering the syringe useless.
The syringe and the needle are then deposited into separate
waste cartridges.
The SMS-1 counts the number of
processed syringes and at a certain count the device will
signal, via a blinking red LED that the cartridges are
almost full. Upon reaching the full count, a “steady” red
LED will then signal that the cartridges are full and need
to be replaced before any further processing can take place.
The SMS-1 automatically releases the cartridges for
replacement once the cartridges are full. As the cartridges
are removed, they are individually locked and sealed so that
the needles can be disposed of safely and the syringe bodies
can be reclaimed or recycled. The SMS-1 comes complete with
two sets of needle and syringe cartridges, one set for
immediate use and one additional set of replacement
cartridges for insertion when required. Replacement needle
and syringe cartridges can be ordered from Medtech Systems
for the life of the product.
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