FDA clears Tristel disinfectant for immediate sale in the US

This follows an FDA review of the product which is suitable for re-usable tonometers, pachymeters, lenses, retinal imaging probes plus A-scan and B-scan biometry probes that make contact with the cornea.

With around 16 million ophthalmic procedures taking place every year in North America, Tristel's Board believes that FDA clearance has the potential to transform ophthalmic disinfection practice in the region.

Until now, the only FDA-cleared HLD method available for ophthalmic devices involves soaking in an open tray. This method is slow, given the long contact times required to be effective, and has as a result proven to be impractical to implement at point of care.

Also, the use of chemicals, such as sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide in an open tray, leads to occupational health concerns and may require costly implementation of ventilation. Prolonged exposure in a chemical soak can also lead to device damage.

To address the problems, some clinics have turned to costly single-use devices, for which there is not always an option, while others have compromised by using low-level disinfectants options, such as alcohol wipes.

In comparison, Tristel OPH has a short contact time of two minutes, is compatible with all widely used ophthalmic medical devices, is easily used at the point of care and is instantly deployable.

The AIM-quoted company, based near Newmarket, has already established local US manufacturing with its partner Parker Laboratories while numerous leading eye institutes in the US have already approached Tristel to become early adopters in anticipation of FDA clearance for Tristel OPH.

Matt Sassone, Chief Executive Officer of Tristel, said: “We are delighted to receive FDA clearance for our second high level disinfectant product in the US. Tristel OPH directly addresses a long-standing unmet need in ophthalmic device reprocessing, offering a fast, safe and practical alternative to the outdated and often hazardous methods still in use.

“Tristel OPH is the first FDA-cleared HLD specifically validated for use on ophthalmic devices meeting user requirements for efficacy, device compatibility and in-use safety.

“Our commercial strategy builds on the valuable learnings from launching Tristel ULT in the US. With an experienced local team and endorsement from ophthalmic device manufacturers we are well prepared to support early adopters and drive sustained growth in this important market.

“We are very excited to bring this new product to market in the US and perfectly timed to be showcased at the APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) conference in Phoenix, AZ mid-June, the largest annual event in the US for reaching critical Infection Preventionist community and decision makers.”