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Automated flexible endoscope cleaning system
Khamsin
In the demanding environment of a healthcare facility, where precision and efficiency are vital, endoscope cleaning plays a crucial role in infection prevention. Traditional cleaning methods can be time-consuming and often fail to achieve consistent results, potentially compromising both patient safety and operational efficiency.
The Khamsin addresses these challenges by providing an automated, fast, and reliable solution for cleaning flexible endoscopes. By combining ultrasonic and nanotechnology, it ensures 100% cleaning efficiency, effectively removing biofilms and contaminants that manual methods struggle to eliminate. This thorough cleaning process reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections and enhances patient safety.
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Product code: KH01
Effective biofilm removal and time-efficient operation
In medical environments, the risk of hospital-acquired infections is a critical concern. The Khamsin stands out by delivering exceptional performance in eliminating biofilms and proteins during its cleaning cycle. Biofilms, which are known to resist standard disinfectants, pose a significant threat to patient safety. Through rigorous protein testing and biofilm eradication studies, including a study at TU Dublin, the Khamsin has demonstrated its ability to achieve a 9-log reduction in drug-resistant biofilms, setting a new standard for endoscope cleaning. Independent evaluations from the Hospital Infection Research Laboratory further confirm the Khamsin’s superior effectiveness, providing a reliable solution for advanced decontamination.
In addition to its outstanding cleaning capability, the Khamsin offers a time-saving solution for healthcare facilities. With the ability to clean two flexible endoscopes simultaneously in just 20 minutes, it greatly outperforms traditional cleaning methods. This remarkable efficiency translates to a cleaning time of less than 10 minutes per endoscope, allowing healthcare professionals to optimize their workflows and focus on other essential tasks.
Improving comfort and reducing strain
of healthcare professionals.
Prioritising efficiency and the well-being
Manual cleaning of endoscopes demands a high level of precision and continuous attention. However, the physical strain of tasks such as bending over cleaning stations can lead to discomfort and fatigue for staff over time. Even with height-adjustable sinks, operators often find themselves in a permanently stooped position during the cleaning process, which can cause significant strain on the neck and back. The need for frequent visual checks to confirm brush cleanliness adds to this discomfort. One of our first operators shared that manual cleaning often resulted in intense back pain, preventing her from working for at least one or two days a month. Since the installation of the Khamsin automated cleaning system, this issue has been resolved, and the operator has reported no further problems with back pain.
Supporting sustainable endoscope cleaning practices
The Khamsin machine is a groundbreaking solution in endoscope cleaning that contributes significantly to sustainability in healthcare. By automating the cleaning process of flexible endoscopes, it reduces clinical waste, which is a major concern in healthcare environments, particularly in the NHS. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, which rely on single-use plastics and other disposable materials, Khamsin eliminates the need for such items, thus cutting down on non-biodegradable waste.
The machine's cleaning process is highly effective, removing biofilms and pathogens that pose serious health risks. It promotes reusable endoscopes without the environmental burden of single-use alternatives, reducing waste while ensuring patient safety. With over 1.5 million endoscopic procedures in the UK annually, Khamsin’s role in minimizing waste and environmental impact is crucial for the future of sustainable healthcare practices.
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PFE Medical won at Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards for Innovation
PFE Medical is proud to announce that it has received the Science, Technology, and Innovation Award at the distinguished Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2023. This recognition honours the pioneering work behind the Khamsin, the world’s first automated endoscope cleaner, which holds the potential to significantly enhance healthcare practices worldwide.
The Khamsin was developed through a three-year knowledge transfer partnership with Aston University and has undergone extensive testing to verify its effectiveness in reducing the risks of hospital-acquired infections. The patented cleaning process, which leverages nano-particles and ultrasonics to generate oxygen bubbles, ensures the complete decontamination of every endoscope, safeguarding millions of patients each year. By eliminating human error, the automated system sets a new benchmark for safety and efficiency in endoscope cleaning and disinfection.
As noted on the award’s website, this achievement underscores PFE Medical’s commitment to innovation and the advancement of medical technology. The award was granted in recognition of the Khamsin’s unparalleled cleaning efficacy and its potential to significantly reduce infections caused by inadequate reprocessing.
The Innovation Award not only celebrates the technical success of the Khamsin but also highlights the collaboration between PFE Medical and academic institutions such as Aston University. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing the research and development of the Khamsin, ensuring its readiness for global deployment in healthcare settings.
This prestigious recognition further strengthens PFE Medical’s position as a leader in medical innovation, with an unwavering focus on improving patient safety and advancing healthcare practices.
1. 100% Cleaning Efficiency
The Khamsin removes biofilms entirely during its cleaning cycle, addressing one of the most common sources of hospital-acquired infections. By achieving the highest standards of cleanliness, it significantly enhances patient safety.
2. Time-Saving Operation
Khamsin can clean two flexible endoscopes simultaneously in just 20 minutes, equating to less than 10 minutes per endoscope. This is significantly faster than traditional cleaning practices.
3. Cost Efficiency
The cost of cleaning one endoscope with Khamsin is the same as that of manual cleaning, but with Khamsin, there is no longer a need to spend on disposable items like brushes, sponges, and protective equipment. This makes it both cost-effective and sustainable.
4. Easy to Use
Khamsin is user-friendly. Staff can be fully trained to operate the system within a day. Once the cleaning program is initiated via the control panel, no further manual intervention is needed, allowing personnel to focus on other important tasks.
5. Enhanced Workforce Efficiency
One operator can oversee up to three machines simultaneously, enabling the cleaning of up to six endoscopes at the same time. This significantly reduces the strain on human resources.
6. Sustainability
Khamsin does not require single-use cleaning consumables, making it an environmentally friendly solution that reduces waste and provides long-term cost savings.
7. Compatibility with Devices
Khamsin has undergone extensive testing to ensure compatibility with a wide range of endoscope types and manufacturers. Over 60,000 endoscopes have been processed with Khamsin without any damage.
8. Reducing Physical Strain for Staff
Manual cleaning requires high precision and continuous attention, and tasks like bending over cleaning stations can cause physical strain and fatigue for staff. Khamsin eliminates this issue, providing an efficient solution that reduces discomfort and prevents back pain.
9. Easy Mobility with Lockable Wheels
Khamsin is designed for effortless movement, featuring lockable wheels that provide stability when stationary and allow for easy manoeuvrability when needed. This enhances workflow efficiency and ensures the system can be positioned conveniently within any space.
The advantages of the Khamsin
Join PFE Medical and elevate endoscope cleaning standards today
At PFE Medical, we believe that strong partnerships are built on trust, consistency, and delivering exceptional service. For over 20 years, we've been a reliable presence in the healthcare sector, offering innovative solutions and dependable support. What sets us apart is our team, a nationwide network of expert engineers and a sales team who have been with us for over 15 years, bringing familiar faces and trusted expertise to every visit.
We don’t just seek contracts; we aim to earn your trust by providing the best service possible. That's our commitment to building lasting, meaningful relationships.
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