Device
Description
The
SHARPS
free™
SMS-2
is the second in the family of products of “automated”
sharps management systems. It automatically extracts the
needle from the syringe and deposits the needle in a needle
cartridge for safe disposal. The needle cartridge is
designed to hold up to 200 needles. The SMS-2 is configured
to remove needles of various lengths (1/2”- 1 ˝”),
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 7”
X 4” X 7” and it weighs 2.5 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, and many
more. Additionally, this product can 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 emergency relief
organizations.
Additionally, as an option, the SMS-2 has the ability to
provide complete accountability of all of the syringe
processing activities. It can provide time stamping, process
count, as well as other critical data for complete record
keeping purposes.
Safety
Features and Benefits
The SMS-2
allows for a one handed operation from the time the
syringe/needle is used to the point of placing the used
syringe/needle into the Product. The product is easy to use
and no operator training is required. Additionally, no
operator intervention is required during the processing of
the syringes. The possibility of accidental needlestick
injuries is almost completely eliminated. The needle
cartridge is made of molded, puncture resistant ABS plastic
and is automatically locked upon removal from the SMS-2. The
fact that the needles are fully contained eliminates the
risk for waste handlers who subsequently handle the “sharps”
cartridge for disposal. 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-2 is not “contra-indicated in a gaseous environment
” and is safe to use in any environment. The SMS-2 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-2 eliminates the possibility of
secondary use of the syringe.
Mechanics of the Device
The
SMS-2 has a series of LEDs to indicate the status of the
device (Ready, Processing, Cartridge Full, Low battery). The
SMS-2, through artificial intelligence, automatically begins
processing the syringe after it is placed in the receiving
opening. Once the syringe is positioned, the needle is
gripped and completely extracted from the syringe and then
deposited into a needle cartridge. The remaining syringe can
either be deposited into a “sharps” box or disposed/recycled
as normal waste.
The
SMS-2 counts the number of processed syringes and at a
certain count the device will signal, via a “blinking” red
LED, that the needle cartridge is almost full. Upon reaching
the “full” count a “steady” red LED will then signal that
the cartridge is full and will need to be replaced before
any further processing can take place. The SMS-2
automatically releases the needle cartridge for replacement
once the cartridge is full. As the needle cartridge is
removed, it is locked and sealed so that it can be disposed
of safely. The SMS-2 comes complete with two needle
cartridges, one for immediate use and one additional
replacement needle cartridge for insertion when required.
Additional replacement needle cartridges can be ordered from
SHARPS
free,
Inc. for the life of the product. |
