The Downstream Effect of Choosing the Right Equipment

In our last newsletter, we spoke with architectural planner and Sterile Processing (SP) design expert Joe McCall to review key considerations such as capacity, workflow, and assessment parameters. Understanding these considerations helps you articulate the impact of your equipment choices when remodeling or designing a new department.

In this edition, we take it a step further by discussing the downstream financial benefits of selecting capital equipment that stands the test of time and how the right choices create a trickle-down effect on overall cost savings.

We’ll demonstrate this by highlighting Skytron equipment, showcasing its capabilities to reduce costs in terms of time, water, and chemical usage.

?Higher Upfront Costs Lead to Lower Lifetime Costs

?One of our core values as an organization is long-term focus. We recognize that obtaining capital equipment approval is a lengthy process. Once you've chosen the right sterilizer, ultrasonic, or washer for your department, you need assurance that it was the best decision and will stand the test of time.

Consider this: you invest in an ultrasonic washer-disinfector that wasn’t large enough to meet your facility’s needs. While it was the more affordable option, it can't keep up with the volume, and like your previous machine, it requires frequent repairs. The negative effect is twofold—disrupted workflow and increased repair costs after the warranty expires.

However, had you fought for approval of a more efficient, higher-capacity washer that uses less water, operates faster, and lasts longer, your investment over time would be significantly less costly. Every purchase decision has a downstream effect, and we want to show how Skytron Sterile Processing products can help you save water, chemicals, and time, ultimately benefiting your bottom line.

?Equipment That Saves in More Ways Than One

Save Water

Our Integrity Sterilizer line, available in three sizes, features a water recirculation system that reclaims water from steam condensation, vacuum creation, and other processes. Despite pressure fluctuations, this system maintains a consistent water supply, preventing wet packs or cycle failures. The reservoir keeps the water at a constant temperature, reducing the need for additional cold water. As a result, these sterilizers use 35-65% less water compared to some competitive models, directly contributing to cost savings.

?Save Chemical Usage

By using less water, you also reduce chemical usage. Our Sterling washer-disinfector line , including the C2000 cart washer, utilizes the same water recirculation system. The C2000, available in four sizes, features 20 electronically controlled wash arms and 120 oscillating nozzles for efficient water coverage. It adjusts pressure based on load configuration, conserving both water and chemicals. By minimizing the need for rewashing, this design leads to lower chemical costs over time.

?Save Time

Time is one of the most valuable resources in your OR and SP departments. Our Flex ultrasonic washer-disinfector streamlines the cleaning process by handling up to triple the capacity of standard washers, cleaning, and disinfecting in under 40 minutes. It can process up to 125 pounds of instrumentation, using fresh water and detergent for each cycle and draining contaminated water. The result is a faster, more efficient workflow, saving your team valuable time.

Selecting the right equipment for your sterile processing department allows you to invest in long-term efficiency and cost savings. Equipment that saves water reduces chemical usage and optimizes time ensures your department operates smoothly and cost-effectively, proving that higher upfront costs often lead to lower lifetime costs.