FAQs
We appreciate that you're considering this important investment.
Here are some of the questions we get.
Does it work with Apple computers?
SteriSimple is written for Windows, but there’s one office so far that wanted to use it so much that they’re running it on a Mac network using CrossOver.
Are updates provided?
Yes, the software will update itself automatically when updates are available. STERIREADER has a blog (Settings | What’s new) where updates and planned features are explained. I’ll try to announce and explain the updates on Facebook, too.
What is Mr WHMIS?
Mr WHMIS is a label making program for the new, updated “WHMIS 2015.” All products in your office are supposed to have SDS (not MSDS) sheets and anything that has an SDS sheet is supposed to have a GHS sticker on it (GHS = Global Harmonized System . . . new symbols, basically). After all that went on with MOHLTC inspecting offices, I didn’t want the MOL to catch us unawares. Mr WHMIS is free to use. Print them from any laser printer in your office. Mr. WHMIS has been bundled into STERIREADER.
What about backups? Are the files secure?
The individual programs (there are 3 in the entire system) will back-up their databases automatically. If you save the databases on your server, they’ll be backed-up when you back-up your server (hopefully, you do that daily). Any databases with patient information (ie, the instrument usage database through STERIRECALL), are encrypted. There is also a setting to send every verified spore test, cycle log and instrument usage summary offsite, as soon as they’re verified.
Are there samples? What if I don't like them? Can I return them for a refund?
Unfortunately, once the software is purchased, it cannot be returned. We hope you understand. Don’t forget, these programs were not written by someone at a think tank, they were written by an active clinician who knows exactly what they’re supposed to do and they’re been aggressively tested in several offices. They will perform. Give the trial kit a try and you’ll see what it’s all about. If you purchase the software, you’ll have 6 months to decide if you want to keep it (at which point, the subscription will be activated). You’ll pay off the cost in a short time, with the time (wages) you’ll save.
How is it that you say you can save money with this system?
Time is money. I’ve done cost analyses of manual entries (during reprocessing and for instrument usage) which have shown significant expenditures in wages (ie, staff time) for these duties. It adds up to a few hours each day, at least. SteriSimple diverts 80-90% of that time. I’ve made an IPAC Calculator for costs of instrument reprocessing. Wages are still spent, but your team ends up doing other things that are more productive and gratifying. For my office and others I’ve worked with, this time has been turned into production; we’ve turned it around.
Does the subscription apply to each program I would use?
The subscription covers the entire system.
What about hardware? Do you sell the items I'd need?
Other than TransLoggers, there is no special equipment for this system and there are no space requirements in your reprocessing area. You just need a wall-mounted monitor, a small PC and a mouse. We used to offer printers, but in our experience, we’ve found that offices wanted to purchase the printers themselves, so we ceased offering them. You have to buy a 3M Attest Autoreader through 3M for STERISPORE.
Are the programs web-based?
These programs are installed directly and are remarkably robust. However, there is a cloud-based version in the works, available first quarter of 2023.
Is the installation complicated?
We offer remote installation and configuration for you and will coordinate with your IT provider beforehand. You’ll have nothing to worry about.
How does SteriReader work? Do you need a separate installation for each sterilizer?
You only need one installation of STERIREADER, but you can run it 10 times at once if you need to. The software is universal – you only need to tell it what kind of sterilizers you have. The transmitters are specific to particular sterilizers. They’re sold separately, since every office has a different number of sterilizers – you buy only what you need. They transmit wirelessly to the computer, which reads, organizes and basically does all the work for you. No SD card or USB downloads required. The user interaction is about 10s per cycle – you only need to click the verification.
What sort of problems have people had?
So far, it seems to be labels jamming in printers. Dymo LabelWriters are the worst offenders, whereas Zebra TLP2824 Plus printers have been very reliable.
Do you still get printouts? Where do you stick your Class 5 strips?
You’re referring to cycle printouts. STERIREADER will autoprint each cycle log if you like, the moment you verify the load. It will print to the default printer, or you can specify a network printer. Your second question encapsulates the direction and guidance we’ve received thus far. Regarding Class 5 strips – that depends. Some jurisdictions say you must attach the PCD Class 5 strip to each cycle log hardcopy, whereas others don’t. So who knows. Maxill makes a nice Class 5 strip with an adhesive back, it’s also the least expensive one out there.
Do the programs work together?
The programs interact with each other. For example, if a spore test fails, a recall report is automatically triggered. You can merge the spore test results from STERISPORE with daily sterilizer summaries from STERIREADER. Also, you can double-click any line in STERIRECALL and see the cycle log for that particular instrument; their databases interact with each other.
