Technical/Quality

Technology used - While we are not committed to any specific marking technology, we have conducted in depth research to establish which technology to use to commence our business. We have started using laser technology to provide marks on surgical instruments using either surface colouration or bonding techniques. Neither of these methods is deemed to be "intrusive" and therefore does not affect the integrity of the instrument.

Surface Colouration - Laser colouration is a process used to discolour the instrument surface layer substrate without burning, melting or vaporising the instrument material. This is done by passing a low power laser beam across a surface at low speed to discolour the area of the mark. This produces a high quality, high contrast mark that does not disrupt the surface. Properly applied, the mark cannot be felt when rubbed by the finger.

Laser Bonding - is an additive process that involves the bonding of an inert substance to the instrument surface. The patented bonding materials consist of ceramic and ground metal oxides mixed with organic pigments. The application is permanent and provides a darker mark than the laser colouration process. Because of the need to apply the bonding material, this process is slower.

Codes used - While we are able to mark instruments with any code, the code preferred by the NHS is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode available via GS1. See www.gs1.org for further information.

The barcode consists of black and white square modules arranged in either a square or rectangular pattern in arrays from 8 x 8 to 144 x 144 and can store up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters. Error correction codes are added to increase symbol strength so that they can be read even if partially damaged.

Code verification - While most contract markers will check that the code of the first and last surgical instrument marked is readable, we check every single mark that we apply. We do not simply check that the code can be read, but we verify 15 critical quality measures by using sophisticated imaging technology. This results in the codes being given a grade from 1 to 10 and covers issues such as readability, code contrast etc. We will only supply instruments to you that meet Grades 1 to 3, the top marks. This provides confidence that the codes will be readable on your code reader. When we return instruments to you we will provide you with the results of the verification, for every instrument marked as evidence of proper marking.

Speed - The cost of the service is based on the speed at which we are able to work. Our marking equipment is fitted with a range of special work holding jigs and fixtures specifically for surgical instruments. These allow each instrument to be presented to the marking machine in the correct orientation and at an accurate and repeatable distance from the marking head. In addition to providing a consistent quality, the provisions of these jigs/fixtures allow us to work much quicker than when instruments are presented either manually.

If you require more information, please use the Enquiry Form and send us all your questions. We aim to provide a prompt feedback within 24 hours