RepScrubs is trying to cut down on hospital acquired infection risk from med device vendors

The Sanford, Florida-based company offers a disposable scrubs vending machine called the ScrubsPort, along with a software system to track who’s active in a hospital’s OR.

Hospital acquired infections are a huge multi-billion dollar problem for providers, with one of the largest risks being surgical site infections. In some cases these issues can be linked to contaminated scrubs.

One analysis found that at the end of a standard 8-hour workshift, a majority of scrubs worn by hospital personnel are carrying dangerous bacteria including antibiotic resistant strains of MRSA, VRE and C-Diff.

Additionally, some of these strains cling to the fabric of scrubs and are nearly impossible to get rid completely through traditional home laundry methods. While hospitals have taken steps to improve practices and limit the potential for infection among internal staff, there is still a major risk posed by traveling surgical sales reps.

“The individual you see standing at a store, or the gym, or in Starbucks in scrubs is most likely one of these medical device reps. They’re going from hospital to hospital throughout the day and they’re not changing even when they’re standing over patients,” said Jeff Feuer, the CEO of RepScrubs.

Feuer’s Sanford, Florida-based company offers a disposable scrubs vending machine called the ScrubsPort, along with a software system to track who’s active in a hospital’s OR.

RepScrubs was founded by Feuer, a 25-year veteran of medical device sales, in 2013. Last year, the company raised a $1.5 million Series A financing round from Florida Funders and DeepWork Capital.

By Kevin Truong | MedCity News

Image Credit: Daevich Mikalai, Getty Images

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About Peter Coffaro 504 Articles
Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.

4 Comments

  1. Can you provide any documentation that in some cases, surgical site infections can be linked to contaminated scrubs? Same goes for the mention of one analysis that found that a majority of scrubs worn by hospital personnel are carrying dangerous bacteria at the end of a standard 8-hour workshift.

  2. What a joke. Us reps put the hospital’s scrubs on just like hospital staff. Reps wearing scrubs at Starbucks who then go to a hospital’s OR, changes into the hospital’s official OR scrubs. These companies are making money…plain and simple. They charge reps a fee to purchase “paper” scrubs each and every time they go to that OR. The scrubs fall apart, never fit right, itch, and are incredibly uncomfortable. Again, the whole reason this company exists, is to make money selling lies. No thanks.

    • Not all reps change into the hospital scrubs when entering a new hospital. If you do this, you are the anomaly. Regardless if it is protocol or not that practice is not always followed.

  3. I would be interested to see the evidence based studies that show scrubs have been directly linked to SSI.

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