The Sentinel Regulator from Amico: Helping to find contamination where you can't

Did you know that “hospital acquired infections are the leading cause of death in US non-cardiac intensive care units (ICUs)?” (1) One of the efforts to prevent HAIs is the implementation of suction regulators and canisters, which are used to control the amount of vacuum pressure coming out of an outlet used for nasogastric drainage and other therapies.

However, research has indicated that “internal flow paths in suction regulators can be convoluted, and bacteria can become trapped and can be aerosolized back during the venting cycle. The most effective method to ensure that a contaminated regulator does not contain pathogens is to sterilize it, which is costly” (1).

At Amico Suction Oxygen Therapy, we used medical research, like the above, and clinical feedback to create our scout & sentinel suction vacuum regulators.We have prioritized 4 things with the creation of our suction regulators:

How do we strive for ease of maintenance?

Unlike other regulators, both our Scout & Sentinel are totally modular, comprising 6 total pieces. The regulators can be taken apart and have any part replaced within minutes. There is no need to throw out regulators or stock extra regulators because maintenance will be too difficult or long. With their easy disassembly and assembly, our units make it accessible to everyone from technicians to nursing staff.

How do we protect your patients and your pipeline?

Thirty-seven percent of regulators in a hospital are contaminated and this contamination can reach a new patient, as well as contaminate your outlet and vacuum system. Our Sentinel regulator is the only regulator that notifies staff when it is at an infection risk. With our patented LED sensor technology, the regulator will indicate with a red light when there is possible infection risk within the regulator to prevent HAIs. Our Scout regulator takes a more simple approach, and has a unique clear backing that allows staff to determine if the regulator has been compromised just at a glance. Being able to view at a glance with both the sentinel and scout if there is an infection risk, allows staff to be proactive in catching these issues before any HAIs occur.

How do we protect your pocketbook?

With our suction regulators being made of 6 pieces, you will never have to buy a new regulator again. When a regulator becomes contaminated, there is no need to buy a replacement unit because of our sealed back body. This piece can be quickly swapped out for a new body, not requiring staff to be exposed to the contamination, and the replacement means you have a new sterile regulator ready to go. Our designs also allow for the prevention of contamination reaching your pipeline, which will save money by not needing pipeline repair and any revenue loss by having an empty bed as the result of a contaminated pipeline.

Amico is pleased to offer the only suction regulator line in the market that attacks the threat of HAIs and other contamination related issues. Ease of use, repair, and piece of mind all come standard from Amico Suction Oxygen Therapy.

(1)  S. Kaye, Keith et al. “Suction Regulators: A Potential Vector for Hospital-Acquired Pathogens” Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, vol. 31, no. 7, pp. 772-774.