Among the myriad medical supplies a medical professional might purchase, there are some staples that most everyone will have in their healthcare supply stock. Knowing the popular medical supplies that consistently lead to repeat purchases can help healthcare workers save money and keep current in their field.
1. Reusable Gel Packs
Reusable gel packs are a popular choice for healthcare professionals. They are made of PVA, or polyvinyl alcohol, a non-toxic, non-irritant gel. These gel packs can cool the body after surgery to reduce swelling and inflammation. The gel pack is placed in the refrigerator for several hours before applying to the patient’s skin.
The gel pack can also warm up cold extremities when used with a heating pad or warmer. The reusable gel pack can be reused up to 15 times before replacing it with a new one.
2. Sterile Gauze Sponges
Sterile gauze sponges are used in a wide variety of healthcare settings. They’re the perfect tool for cleaning wounds and absorbing blood or other liquids from a patient’s skin. Surgeons also use sterile gauze sponges as an absorbent material during surgical procedures.
Sterile gauze sponges are pre-packed in sterile containers, or you can purchase them loose and then package them yourself. You’ll need to purchase both sterile and non-sterile gauze sponges and your packaging options: open tray or closed tray.
3. The Abbot BinaxNOW Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test
The Abbot BinaxNOW Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test is a rapid test that can be performed with a simple nasal swab with results within 15 minutes. These tests allow medical procedures to be performed without worrying if the patient has COVID. This simple at home COVID test will take mere minutes to provide a result making medical intervention more timely.
4. Diamond Nitrile Gloves
Diamond Nitrile Gloves are made from durable, synthetic rubber that offers excellent performance and protection for healthcare professionals.
Diamond Nitrile is hypoallergenic and latex-free, making it ideal for use with people who have sensitive skin. The gloves are also resistant to chemicals, including bleach, alcohol, and disinfectants. They are soft and flexible but strong enough to provide outstanding dexterity and tactile sensitivity to be worn during all phases of patient care. Diamond Nitrile is available in several sizes to fit a wide range of hands.
5. Bacitracin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment
The Bacitracin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment is a topical antibiotic that helps heal wounds and cuts. It’s a topical antibiotic, so it does not get absorbed into the body. These products treat minor cuts, scrapes, and burns on the skin. The ointment contains bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B sulfate. They’re all antibiotics that work together to fight infection and promote healing.
6. Fractured Bed Pan
The Fractured Bed Pan is a bedpan that has been designed to be lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. This product is ideal for patients who have difficulty moving around or for those who are confined to a bed for extended periods. It can also be used by anyone who needs assistance with bowel movements.
7. E-Z Scrub Surgical Scrub Brush/Sponge
A surgical scrub sponge-like the E-Z Scrub is ideal for hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. If a mechanical action is required, the polyethylene bristles reduce irritation, while the super-soft sponge eliminates any irritation. In addition to the individually wrapped brushes, these products are imbued with antimicrobial Chlorhexidine Gluconate.
8. ProCare Abdominal Binder
ProCare Abdominal Binder is a compression garment designed to support and relieve abdominal pain, swelling, and bruising following surgery or injury. It has been designed by healthcare professionals to help reduce discomfort, inflammation, and swelling.
The ProCare Abdominal Binder features a breathable mesh fabric that allows the skin to breathe while compression around the abdomen. This helps reduce pain and swelling while increasing circulation to the injured area. The ProCare Abdominal Binder is adjustable and can be worn for three months after surgery.
9. Cidex OPA Disinfectant Solution
Cidex OPA Disinfectant Solution is a broad-spectrum hospital disinfectant that kills many microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It’s also effective against spores (including non-spore-forming bacteria) and non-enveloped viruses. This product is EPA approved as a tuberculocidal (tuberculosis) disinfectant and virucidal (virus) disinfectant.
10. ASTM Level 3 Surgical Masks
Pleated ear loops make it easier to fit these masks over eyewear and hearing aids. They also help prevent irritation from the back of the ear, which can be a common problem with other surgical masks. These masks are designed for outpatient settings, including operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. Infection control procedures are implemented to meet the most stringent practices outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Importance of Medical Supplies Being Readily Available for Healthcare Professionals
The Coronavirus has been a huge issue for healthcare professionals, as it has caused many issues for hospitals. The virus’s impact on the medical community was unprecedented and unexpected, but it was also essential to have the needed medical supplies to fight the virus.
The Coronavirus and other global factors have resulted in delivery delays and backlogs of critical supplies. The consequences for a healthcare professional can be costly, both personally and professionally, and therefore it is essential to be prepared for any potential crisis.
Suppose there is a Coronavirus outbreak or another severe pandemic. In that case, it will be crucial for all healthcare workers to be fully equipped with the necessary medical supplies and equipment to protect themselves from infection.
Supply Chain Management is an essential component of every healthcare facility’s operations plan; however, leaders within each department must understand what they can do to ensure adequate supplies.
Develop a disaster management plan with specific roles and responsibilities assigned to staff members who will lead the process during an emergency or disaster situation (e.g., identify backup vendors/suppliers).
Obtain sufficient inventory levels based on projected demand (e.g., ordering additional supplies from a secondary provider).
The Bottom Line
If your hospital or medical practice requires a constant flow of quality medical supplies, you can better help ensure your inventories are in stock with a high-quality healthcare distributor like bttn. They’re an online medical store who can help healthcare professionals save 20-40% on wholesale medical supply orders, while getting free shipping too. By using advanced technologies and big data, they can help you stay ahead of the curve amid any supply chain issues that can affect your ability to provide adequate treatments to patients.
