SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — Jan. 7, 2019 — Merit Medical Systems announced its BiopSafe® smart system has received a 2018 Innovative Technology designation from Vizient, Inc., the largest member-driven health care performance improvement company in the country. The designation was based on the recommendations of health care experts serving on a member-led council who interacted with the product shown at the Vizient Innovative Technology Exchange held on Oct. 4, 2018. The council determined the technology had the potential to enhance clinical care, patient safety, health care worker safety or improve business operations of health care organizations.
The BiopSafe smart system is a specially designed vial used for biopsy samples that is designed to eliminate exposure to Formalin, a 30% to 50% aqueous solution of formaldehyde that is commonly used in preserving tissue samples. Numerous studies have linked formaldehyde exposure with health hazards, including respiratory discomfort after inhalation and skin irritation due to spills and leaks. Formaldehyde is also known to have mutagenic potential, and it is listed as a known carcinogen by several international and US domestic health safety organizations.
A crucial design consideration of the Biopsafe smart system is that formalin is capsuled in a sealed repository in the lid of the vial. After the tissue sample is placed in the bottom of the container, the lid is fastened and gentle pressure is applied to release Formalin to cover the biopsy. Because the entire process is performed inside the sealed vial, the Formalin is not aerosolized, thus mitigating risk of exposure while preserving the integrity of the biopsy sample in a simple and efficient manner.
“Merit Medical takes great pride in manufacturing and selling products that are designed to enhance or improve key procedural steps by making them safer, more efficient or easier to perform. In the case of BiopSafe, when we say that the Secret is in the Lid, it describes the improved safety and reduced safety risk associated with eliminating Formalin exposure. This product really exemplifies our philosophy of listening to the needs of healthcare practitioners and discovering products that help address their concerns,” said Fred Lampropoulos, Chairman and CEO of Merit Medical.
“Based on feedback from our member councils, it was determined Biopsafe smart system should be recognized with an Innovative Technology designation. Congratulations to Merit Medical on receiving this status,” said Debbie Archer, director of procurement and Vizient Innovative Technology Program leader.
Vizient represents a diverse membership base that includes academic medical centers, pediatric facilities, community hospitals, integrated health delivery networks and non-acute health care providers and represents approximately $100 billion in annual purchasing volume. Through its Innovative Technology Program, Vizient works with member-led councils and task forces to review potentially innovative products. If it is determined that a product is innovative, Vizient may award a contract outside of the competitive bid cycle.
About Merit
Founded in 1987, Merit Medical Systems, Inc. is engaged in the development, manufacture and distribution of proprietary disposable medical devices used in interventional, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, particularly in cardiology, radiology, oncology, critical care and endoscopy. Merit serves client hospitals worldwide with a domestic and international sales force and clinical support team totaling in excess of 300 individuals. Merit employs approximately 5,600 people worldwide with facilities in South Jordan, Utah; Pearland, Texas; Richmond, Virginia; Malvern, Pennsylvania; Rockland, Massachusetts; San Jose and Aliso Viejo, California; Maastricht and Venlo, The Netherlands; Paris, France; Galway, Ireland; Beijing, China; Tijuana, Mexico; Joinville, Brazil; Markham, Ontario, Canada; Melbourne, Australia; Tokyo, Japan; and Singapore.
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