What is reprocessing?
Stryker’s Sustainability Solutions (SSS) is the leading provider of reprocessing and remanufacturing services for single-use medical devices.
Reprocessing of single-use medical devices (SUDs) is the practice of inspecting, cleaning, function testing, sterilizing and packaging so that they can be clinically and safely used again.
Devices are collected at the hospital utilizing Stryker’s advanced collection system. Containers are placed in convenient usage areas and are regularly shipped by Stryker staff to our reprocessing facility.
Once collection containers have arrived at our reprocessing facility, contents are sorted to isolate reprocessable devices from devices that cannot be reprocessed.
Devices are cleaned and disassembled by our highly trained staff. Parts are individually inspected and, depending on the device, may be replaced. Some devices go through more elaborate remanufacturing procedures.
Once rebuilt, devices are inspected and function tested based on validated processes. Most devices are then sterilized and quarantined before being repackaged, labeled and shipped back to the customer.
Hospitals can monitor how many devices we have collected from them on our extranet. Based on this, they order what they need from reprocessed inventories, before they order devices from the original manufacturer – this decreases purchasing costs.
Devices are shipped in original manufacturer case quantities to hospitals in clearly marked boxes and placed in the supply room next to original manufacturer devices. When pulling devices for cases, most of our customers pull reprocessed devices before selecting new ones so they can realize critical savings.
