Columbus, Ohio-based E Med Future, Inc. announced that it has received an approval order from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to market its medical device NeedleZap® in the United States. NeedleZap® is a safety device that disintegrates the sharp portion of a hypodermic needle. It was developed specifically to help reduce accidental needlestick injuries in the workplace. When a hypodermic needle is inserted into the unit, the patented electrode system disintegrates the needle at 2200ºF in approximately two seconds leaving the syringe intact.
According to E Med Future President Bob Ochsendorf, "NeedleZap® is an economical and logical approach to the problem of accidental needlesticks. We're pleased to be able to market NeedleZap® to the healthcare community.
With the approval order from the FDA, the applications for NeedleZap® are far-reaching and include health care facilities and treatment centers.
The American Nursing Association (ANA) has estimated that one million accidental needlesticks are reported in the United States in the healthcare industry alone. The ANA also estimates the cost of a single, high-risk needlestick injury is approximately $3,000 and more when follow-up testing, lost time and disability payments are factored in.
Since statistics show that approximately 95 percent of all needlestick injuries occur to the hand not holding the needle, NeedleZap® was designed to operate with one hand. The device is small (3" x 4" x 2"), lightweight and can handle a variety of needle sizes: 16 -30 gauge; ¾ - 2 inches in length.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 62 to 88 percent of sharps injuries can potentially be prevented by use of safer medical devices.
"Employers can benefit greatly from our product," said Ochsendorf. "NeedleZap® is an effective, affordable way to help reduce the danger, potential liability and anguish that can result from accidental needlesticks."
In 1999, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised directive stressing the use of safer medical devices to help reduce needlesticks and other sharps injuries in the workplace. OSHA requires any employer with one or more employees working in an environment where needlesticks may occur to take full advantage of new technology that may reduce this hazard.
In addition to important safety benefits, NeedleZap® can reduce the costs of biohazard disposal. By eliminating the sharp portion of a syringe, a typical sharps container can hold approximately 30 to 35 percent more syringes once the needle has been destroyed.
NeedleZap® units operate on low voltage rechargeable batteries and come complete with charger. The unit has a one-year manufacturer's limited warranty and must be used in conjunction with proper disposal methods.
NeedleZap® has received the endorsement of The National Association of Subacute and Post Acute Care (NASPAC).
E Med currently has worldwide distribution contracts in place with American Health & Safety Products, Inc., and their wholly owned subsidiary AHSP International L.L.C., who have representation in the United States, Europe, China, South America, Central America and Canada.
Call 877-855-1319 or visit www.needlezap.com for more information.