Practical considerations in converting to Renalin 100 for dialyzer reprocessing.

It is clear from our findings (shown in Figs. 2, 3) that the cost of Renalin 100 is equal to or less than the cost of Renalin on a liter-to-liter basis. The decreased cost may be due to the elimination of the need to discard expired, diluted Renalin and the ability to use the small amount of Renalin 100 remaining in the container for making disinfectant solutions for disinfecting caps. The use of Renalin 100 leads to a 65% reduction in case count and storage space, as well as a 21% decrease in product weight. This means decreased costs in shipping and worker exertion to move this product. It is interesting that the 65% determination is virtually identical to the theoretical value advertised. The decreased waste generated was substantial. Cardboard waste was reduced by 78% and plastic waste was decreased by 72%. Even in this moderately sized facility this meant a decrease in waste generation of 780 lbs. annually. Extrapolation of this number across reprocessing centers in the United States would suggest that the widespread use of Renalin 100 would produce great domestic environmental gains. Because there is no diluting and mixing of Renalin 100, there is a substantial savings of time for personnel. The 95% time saving in this facility accounts for over two full weeks of technician time. In addition, the elimination of mixing and diluting decreases technician exposure to the sterilant. Finally, automated mixing and diluting eliminates the possibility of human error in preparing the sterilant and adds to the consistency of the reprocessing procedure.