NASHVILLE, TN--(Marketwired - Sep 12, 2013) - MEIKO's TopLine healthcare disinfection appliances, which enable the healthcare industry to break free of outdated and unsanitary cleaning practices, are now available through a partnership with Attainia.
TopLine washes and disinfects bedpans, urinals, urine bags, emesis basins, suction canisters, bedside commodes and more. Generations ahead of current cleaning methods, TopLine saves time, limits hospital waste and significantly reduces the potential infection risks that staff and patients now face.
Attainia is an industry-leading online marketplace for healthcare capital equipment. Its software enables healthcare providers to manage, plan and budget capital equipment purchases.
"Disinfection appliances -- sometimes called bedpan washers -- are a virtually unknown technology in the U.S., but are the norm in other developed countries to simplify waste cleanup and potentially reduce the risk of healthcare acquired infections," said Chuck Wilson, managing director at MEIKO.
"Because disinfection appliances represent a significant departure from traditional practices and can revolutionize how so many items are cleaned and processed, it is best to consider implementation of TopLine systems early in the design and procurement process," added Wilson.
Common methods for bedpan and urinal waste disposal and cleanup haven't changed in the U.S. for decades, creating health risks that are unacceptable by modern hygiene standards. Soiled equipment is transported to utility rooms, increasing handling and risk of cross-patient contamination, or processed in the patient's room using a spray arm connected to the commode. With either of these manual methods, splash back and overspray are common, resulting in a spray that contaminates the caregiver and surrounding areas and equipment. The high pressure of these tools can also lead to aerosolization of microbes in the waste being cleaned, a contamination that is impossible to avoid.
TopLine washers allow healthcare providers to limit waste handling and transportation, significantly reducing the risk of healthcare associated infections. Caregivers open the door of a washer using a touch-free sensor or hands-free kick plate, and insert the soiled equipment. When the door is sealed, a telescopic rotary jet and auxiliary nozzles flush the contents and provide complete disinfection at 187 degrees -- a temperature caregivers' hands could never tolerate.
By limiting the opportunities for contamination, TopLine controls the potential for healthcare associated infections, such as C. diff., CRE and VRE, which increase readmission rates -- some by as much as 40 percent -- and loss of life.
"We are excited to include TopLine washers in Attainia's capital planning and budgeting system," said Anil Singhal, M.D. and vice president supply chain services at Attainia. "TopLine is an important solution to a major infection control risk that exists in virtually every U.S. hospital. Bedpan washers have long been used overseas and the timing is right for adoption in the U.S. market."
Waste disposal with TopLine is quicker and easier, increasing staff effectiveness and satisfaction. Because TopLine appliances handle numerous pieces of equipment, it reduces the number of procedures caregivers must remember and follow, reducing the potential of human error and the associated dangers to patients.
Founded in 1927 as a small operation in Germany, MEIKO has grown to become a world leading manufacturer of commercial washing equipment. By building products with the user in mind, the company has become a trusted partner to healthcare providers across Europe, Canada, Asia and Australia. MEIKO's U.S. operations are increasing its emphasis on the healthcare market because of the growing importance of infection control.
About MEIKO
Since 1927, MEIKO has created products that meet the daily cleaning challenges of the commercial world. By building products with the user in mind, MEIKO has grown to become a world leading manufacturer of commercial washing equipment. Based in La Vergne, Tenn., MEIKO USA provides a range of industry-leading warewashing solutions for foodservices as well as cleaning and disinfection appliances for the healthcare industry. For more information, visit www.meiko.us.
About Attainia
Founded in 2001, Attainia, Inc. is the world's most widely used equipment planning, budgeting, and tracking system for healthcare equipment. Customers include some of the largest healthcare capital equipment firms, hospital purchasing groups, integrated delivery networks, and individual hospitals. For more information, visit www.attainia.com.