In an effort to improve patient safety and device durability, Mindray, Shenzhen, China and Mahwah, NJ, a global developer of medical technology, has chosen to incorporate medical polymers produced by Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tenn, into its current generation of patient monitors.
Used in healthcare facilities throughout North America, the Mindray Passport Series of bedside monitors, T1 monitor/module, and Accutorr Series of spot check monitors are now fully compatible with a list of more than 20 of the most commonly used cleaners and disinfectants in use due to the increased emphasis on infection control.
Mindray’s devices provide scalable patient monitoring from the bedside and during patient transport. Used across a variety of demanding clinical environments, it is critical that these devices withstand the daily stresses of use and handling, as well as the harsh cleaning and disinfecting agents used to prevent healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs), without experiencing any level of physical compromise.
“With such a wide range of cleaning and disinfecting products being used in hospitals, it was difficult for our customers to select formulations and procedures approved for use with our old plastics,” says Wayne Quinn, president, Mindray North America. “Broad chemical resistance, durability, and cleanability were at the top of our list of requirements when we were searching for an alternative plastic housing solution, and Eastman medical polymers truly delivered.”
Eastman’s medical polymers provide excellent chemical resistance and durability, ensuring compatibility and efficacy when using aggressive disinfection solutions. In addition, the strength of the polymer overcomes the daily impact stresses that come with greater portability and patient-worn devices. This is important because it reduces costs directly related to patient care delays (due to device failure) and results in a reduction in the total cost of ownership of medical equipment.
“Eastman’s comprehensive portfolio of materials is helping companies meet the cleanability and manufacturability needs that today’s healthcare environment demands,” says Ellen Turner, global market development manager, Eastman. “As a reliable polymer solutions partner, our technical experts are working closely with Mindray to shape the next generation of medical devices.”
