"The lack of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly maintenance is a big problem," says Darren Walker, Sales Consultant for Duraline Systems. "Sterilization equipment is a lot like a vehicle, if it is well-maintained it could last decades, if not - it may only last a year or two before major problems occur." Duraline carries many makes and models of sterilizers, and when their factory certified technicians refurbishes one - it is taken apart and each piece is inspected. Parts are replaced if there are any questions as to their condition. When all parts are cleaned, painted or replaced, the device is reassembled and run though a series of tests to insure the unit is running like new. All Duraline sterilizers are checked by quality control, and "if all is well, it is made available for use."

Gregory Drinkwater, President of remanufacturedsterilizers.net, places blame of sterilization problems on poor maintenance of machines as well. "The lifespan of the machine is shortened because of this oversight," says Drinkwater. "Simple maintenance will add years to a machine."

Drinkwater's company remanufactures sterilizers and has a factory certified technician "gut the core machine and replace all the parts." He says, the machines will last another ten years once they've been refurbished. The most popular brand's his company services are Statim 2000 and 5000 for dentists, ophamologists and tattoo artists.

When it comes to pricing, according to Krista Kalweit, MT (ASCP), Vice President and Senior Field Service Technician, MERCO, "a refurbished sterilizer can sell for $2,000, while a new model can go for $6,000." With the current economic climate, price is important. "Business is down due to the economy and companies not wanting to spend money." She goes on, "We are also seeing the dramatic growth of hospital managed field sites (sites other than the main hospital), which run small independents out of the market."

Dave Waterman, President of MRSBiomed says that business in the sterilizer sector is up. MRSBiomed services several surgicenters that have relatively low usage, but "scheduled maintenance has increased my work load a great deal in this area," he says.

What's New and Different?

Waterman notes one recent innovation that has helped hospitals save money is the Water-Mizer, which he describes as "a water-saving device that eliminates the "tempering" water consumption during the non-sterilizing portion of a sterilizer's cycle, thereby substantially reducing overall water consumption." Waterman says this device is a great value and can pay for itself in a year.

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