4 Benefits of iDP Valves for Medical Device Reprocessing Equipment
Some medical treatments involve reusable equipment such as endoscopes, filters, dialyzers and surgical implements. Reprocessing that type of medical equipment helps reduce costs and medical waste.
That procedure requires device reprocessing equipment and a multi-step cleaning and sterilization process to prevent cross-contamination between treatments and procedures.
To deliver high performance, the valves within reprocessing equipment for medical devices must withstand repeated use, testing and sterilization. It’s a sophisticated process that can take up to thirty minutes to clean, disinfect and certify one endoscope alone.
iDP valves offer a variety of benefits to ensure optimized equipment use as well as patient and caregiver safety. Here are four key benefits of using Humphrey’s iDP valves in reprocessing equipment for medical devices.
#1: Resistant to Cleaning Chemicals and High Temperatures
The isolated nature of the iDP valve allows it to control bodily fluids, cleaners and other aggressive media with ease. The media separation features are ideal when using aggressive media for device reprocessing. The valve materials can also withstand elevated liquid temperatures during operation.
They’re uniquely manufactured to resist attack from more than 1,800 chemicals, solvents and plasmas, including:
- Acetic acid
- Sodium hydroxide
- Concentrated nitric acid
Compatibility with aggressive media can also extend valve service life, allowing for longer preventative maintenance schedules and reduced operating costs.
#2: Reduced Cleaning Chemical Waste
Preventing leaks in medical equipment is essential for efficient operation, long-term reliability and patient and caregiver safety. Leaks can cause contamination during device reprocessing, often delaying or complicating the equipment cleaning process.
Humphrey’s iDP valve series features an optional FFKM elastomer that can withstand harsh operating conditions while maintaining a tight seal.
iDP valves handle various aggressive media, such as:
- Dialysate
- Citric acid
- Formaldehyde
- Ethylene glycol
- Ethyl and methyl alcohols
- Enzymes
- Alkaline solutions
#3: Cleans Equipment More Effectively
Humphrey’s iDP valve series offers customizable flow control for medical devices. That equipment relies on precise gas and fluid delivery, especially when the application involves medication and system cleaners.
Medical equipment must be reprocessed quickly and efficiently to provide patients with reliable treatment. iDP valves control the flow path with desired flow rates to ensure accuracy during the reprocessing cycle and its high flow capacity speeds up the cleaning and sterilization process.
Our MiDP valves regulate flow rate with accuracy while minimizing friction. The valve body can handle harsh conditions without degrading, allowing effective medical device reprocessing for continued use.
#4: Compact Design
Medical equipment varies in size, from respiratory devices to dialysis equipment. Valves must often be compact to suit space restrictions while maintaining consistent function. The unique, customizable nature of iDP valves allows you to maintain precise fluid and gas flow control.
Since valves are used repeatedly during device reprocessing, each valve is made of durable materials that can handle the stress of extensive use without degrading or sustaining damage. Manifold-style valves can fit many components in a small space.
Custom Valve Solutions at Humphrey Products
Find the right valve to suit your medical application with the help of our expert team. Contact us to learn more about Humphrey’s iDP valves.
