DALLAS, Sept. 24 /PR Newswire/ -- All Kaiser Permanente facilities will be able to purchase VanishPoint(R) syringes -- clinically regarded as the safest syringe available -- as part of an agreement between Retractable Technologies, Inc. and Kaiser Permanente. As a result of California's groundbreaking safety needle law, health care facilities are now required to provide needle devices with engineered sharps injury protection designed to eliminate or minimize needlestick injuries and exposures to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Kaiser Permanente, along with the Service Employees International Union, were two of the main proponents for the passage of the new safety provisions. Together, they have worked closely to develop a joint implementation and training plan for the VanishPoint(R) syringe.

The VanishPoint(R) automated retraction technology, developed by Retractable Technologies, Inc., was a catalyst behind the demand for safer needle products in the state of California. Retractable Technologies' VanishPoint(R) needle devices feature patented technology which automatically retracts the contaminated needle directly from within the patient into the empty device barrel upon completion of an injection or blood drawing procedure. The device is easily activated with one hand, which always stays behind the needle until the used needle is securely encased in the barrel. Automated retraction virtually eliminates the risk of accidental needlesticks from contaminated needles, as well as the possibility of reuse.

As part of the national purchasing agreement between Retractable Technologies, Inc. and Kaiser Permanente, the VanishPoint(R) syringe will be implemented on a national basis with California as the initial focus.

Officials of Retractable Technologies, Inc. believe Kaiser Permanente's selection of an automated retraction syringe is certain to set a new standard for safety(TM). Because Kaiser Permanente conducts a well-known pre- and post-implementation study for breakthrough technologies, the use of VanishPoint(R) by Kaiser Permanente employees will provide useful information for industry analysts and health care workers in their efforts to promote safety. According to Kathryn Duesman, R.N., Director of Clinical Services for Retractable Technologies, many industry analysts anticipate that the results of the Kaiser Permanente study, along with the soon to be published ECRI results, will determine the future of the safety needle industry.

ST: Texas, California

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