Advancing world hygiene standards

Meiko, the Offenburg-based manufacturer of cleaning and disinfection machinery for hospitals and care homes, reports that this market '… has never been in such turmoil', due to 'TopLine', its new range of appliances launched a year ago.
'The absolute latest in bedpan washers/disinfectors is distinguished by a number of innovations which set new standards for cleaning technology and benefit staff, budgets and natural resources alike,' Meiko said.  The firm's sales manager, Markus Braun explained that the appliance is '…advancing on all fronts and penetrating markets we scarcely thought about in the past. Countries in the third world are developing a completely new hygiene consciousness. In Germany we have realised that replacement is better (and more economical) than continual refurbishment.'
Currently, TopLine are the only appliances with a truly sealed wash-chamber, that protects staff against escaping steam (and any unpleasant smell) when they remove utensils after cleaning, Meiko pointed out. 'Steam is removed via a duct system, whereas in some other appliances steam is discharged inside the unit itself - a practise, which can lead to mould and fungus cultures growing on walls and ceilings behind the appliance.'

In addition, during cleaning and disinfection Topline's integrated disinfection management system consumes less water and energy than previously known, due to the development of a novel telescopic rotary jet - this has not only heightened cleaning performance but also achieves it in a very short space of time using minimal energy. 'If a TopLine appliance is not used, it soon switches automatically to stand-by mode and “sleeps” until needed again,' Meiko added.

In appliances fitted with the (optional) technology for automatically opening and closing the wash-chamber door, only a hand movement is needed to open the door, and, after loading utensils into the machine, the door closes; the pre-set cleaning programme begins with a further wave of the hand.

Previously, water was used to cool utensils, which concerned hygienists due to the potential recontamination by water-borne bacteria. In the TopLine system, utensils are dry, cool to touch and ready for immediate re-use as soon as a cycle ends. 

To reduce maintenance and service costs Meiko's experts have developed 'M-Commander' particularly for cleaning appliances. M-Commander provides a complete record of the condition of the appliance as well as a log of the quality of the most recent cleaning cycles. If any problems occur tracing the defect is also much easier, and M-Commander can execute any necessary adjustments on the spot.

Meiko's products will be demonstrated at MEDICA ( Stand A65, in Hall 12)

17.11.2006