Rehrig Healthcare announced its SharpsTank® Reusable Sharps Container Model TS received Food and Drug Administration approval to market the device as an FDA 510(k) cleared Class II medical device.

The 4.9-gallon container can be used by healthcare workers in any place sharps disposal is needed. Features include minimal moving parts, reinforced handles, smooth interiors for easy cleaning, and textured exterior surfaces for easy removal of adhesive labels after each use. It has been tested and cleared for 600 cycles in a reusable environment.

The debate is out on the real value of reusable sharps and other clinical waste containers when compared with the single use option. Thus far, this important commercial, practical, safety and environmental issue has not been adequately illuminated by research and investigation which thus far has been heavily ‘loaded’ by blatant, if undeclared conflicts of interest.

But now there is another player in town, to trade alongside the Daniels’ Sharpsmart system.

We say good luck to them both, while for the rest of use competition can only be a good thing.