Minntech Opens Dialyzer Reprocessing Center

Minntech Corp. (Minneapolis) has opened a facility that will reprocess dialyzers for kidney dialysis centers. The Minntech Renal Systems reprocessing center will initially serve Central Florida Kidney Centers Inc., based in Orlando, and has the capacity to serve other centers in the area. Minntech plans to open additional reprocessing centers in Long Island, NY, and other cities in early 2000.

Maureen Michael, executive director of the Central Florida Kidney Centers, said, "At our centers, reprocessing dialyzers consumes significant staffing, capital equipment and space. By outsourcing this support function, we can free our personnel for greater patient care."

The Minntech Reprocessing Center will handle all aspects of dialyzer reprocessing, including compliance with regulatory requirements and recordkeeping. Minntech staff will pick up used dialyzers from the dialysis center, clean, test, inspect, and sterilize them. The reprocessing of dialyzers will be completed according to Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Recommended Practices. The facility will be registered with the FDA and comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. At the end of the month, Minntech will provide a report of all reprocessing activity to the centers to meet AAMI recommendations and Health Care Financing Administration requirements. The center is equipped with state-of-the art reuse equipment and supplies, including Minntech's Renatron II Automated Dialyzer Reprocessing System, RenaClear Dialyzer Cleaning System, and Renalin Cold Sterilant.

Edited by Ursula Jones