Important Of Disposable Products

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the governing entity in the United States that regulates medical devices, a single-use or disposable medical device is “intended for use on one patient during a single procedure. It is not intended to be reprocessed (cleaned, disinfected/sterilized) and used on another patient. The labelling may or may not identify the device as single use or disposable and does not include instructions for reprocessing.” The disposable medical supplies industry produces supplies you frequently see when you interact with a medical professional – bandages, hypodermic needles, exam gowns, gloves, catheters, surgical sponges, tongue depressors, syringes, pregnancy and drug tests, and face masks. Consumable medical devices are like disposable devices in that they also ultimately should be disposed of but can be used more than once or for a length of time. These include devices like elastic bandage wraps, pacemakers, and drill bits and blades for surgical instruments.

At Advin, we work with medical device use in Hospital of all shapes and sizes – small and large, start-up and established – that develop and manufacture a wide array of devices. No matter how varied the companies are, across the board their biggest concern is keeping patients safe. When designing a medical device, companies want to do everything they can to improve medical device UX, or user experience, and reduce the risk of harming their user. Disposable medical devices can help.

Anytime device companies can incorporate disposable elements or create entirely disposable medical products, they are improving patient safety and reducing risk. The primary reason is that using disposable medical supplies and devices prevents cross contamination between patients. Reusable medical devices must be completely and thoroughly sterilized before they can be used again. In addition to expanding design considerations for sterilization, companies are subject to increased regulatory responsibilities. The FDA has strict sterilization process controls; devices must prove they adhere to in the submission process. The role of sterilization and disposable medical devices in preventing the spread of disease has increased in relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not being able to properly sterilize a medical device can have serious consequences. In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted the FDA of a potential connection between duodenoscopes, devices that pass into the small intestine, and antibiotic-resistant infections, even though users reported following proper cleaning and disinfection or sterilization protocols outlined by the manufacturer. Incidences such as these have led companies to design disposable elements like covers for non-disposable medical instruments.

Another critical benefit of disposable medical devices is durability, especially when it comes to consumable devices. By their nature, some devices, or individual components of the device, wear out after a certain period – lights burn out, batteries die, drill bits and blades dull, sensors break, and wires fray. This is also where the importance of testing and labelling comes in. Medical device companies must test to identify the average number of uses a device or component can withstand while working effectively and label the device accordingly to indicate how many times it can be used within the indicated safety margin. At

Disposable medical devices, or disposable components of devices, can help improve the health and safety of the patients we serve. That’s why, when we work with our clients on their medical device design, development, and regulatory submission, we look for opportunities where incorporating disposable elements makes the system safer. If any of our services can support your product, including our medical device prototype development.

Disposable or single-use medical devices are the ones that can only be used once and then needs to be discarded. When it comes to offering efficient healthcare services, hygiene and sanitation are the two important factors. Despite having a multitude of sterilization methods like chemical sterilization, heat sterilization, etc, there is always a scope of contamination left behind. And in this covid era, the transmission of infection is the first thing one needs to get rid of. Hence, the only way that absolutely eliminates the chance of contamination is the use of disposable products. Almost every industry is now switching to the use of single-use products as much as possible. Therefore, it becomes an essential choice for the healthcare industry.

Benefits of Disposable Medical Supplies

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Here are some of the most common benefits that can be attained with the use of disposable medical products:

Prevention of infection – Research was conducted to investigate the presence of microbes on disposable and reusable medical products. More than 30 percent of the wet swabs taken from reusable products contained pathogens while most of the wet swabs taken from the disposable products were found sterile. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Protection states that the use of disposable products improves patient safety by eliminating the risk of patient-to-patient contamination.

Saving time – The reusable products need to be cleaned and sterilized after every single use. On the other hand, single-use products are mostly ready to use and can be disposed of after use. This saves a lot of time for the medical practitioners and increases their efficiency.

Cost-cutting – Even though it may seem like an expensive choice to most practitioners, single-use products are in fact more cost-effective in the long term. This is because reusable devices have a high cost which further increases due to the need of purchasing additional accessories. Furthermore, the products require regular cleaning and maintenance. The extra cost is added for their regular sterilization.

On the other hand, single-use products are much cheaper, need the least maintenance, and do not require extensive sterilization procedures. There are no additional costs associated with the repair. Instead, they are capable of providing similar quality as that reusable products.

Impact on the environment – It may seem to many that disposable products have more detrimental effects on the environment, but this is not the case. If disposed of properly, the single-use products are environmentally-friendly. On the other hand, the waste produced in the form of chemicals and air pollutants while manufacturing reusable medical devices is much more harmful to the atmosphere.

In the operating department for which the most integrated function is required, cleanliness must be kept and the safety of facilities, equipment and devices must be maintained any times. Furthermore, the working environment for medical staff such as doctors and nurses must be considered from the viewpoint of human engineering. Our modular operating theater satisfying those conditions consists of wall, ceiling and slanted panels, and is capable of incorporating not only electrical equipment, medical gas system, and lighting gears but all the necessary functions and equipment at need. In addition, the modular theater has a high availability of extension providing for the introduction of a new facility in the future, establishing as well an operating environment with high workability and enough function.

Operation theatre is that specialized facility of the hospital where life-saving or life-improving procedures are carried out on the human body by invasive methods under strict aseptic conditions in a controlled environment by specially trained personnel to promote healing and cure with maximum safety, comfort, and economy. It is imperative that operation theatre (OT) is designed scientifically to ensure sterility, easy maintenance, and effective utilization. A civil – mechanical – electrical – electronic – biomedical combination driven and coordinated by needs, preference and safety of the medical-surgical team form the basis of planning, starting and maintaining an operation theatre.

What is a modular operation theatre?

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It is a compact and highly sterilized setup containing particular air filters to control the airflow system within. Some specific types of air conditioning and air handling units are used to maximize protection against contaminants to increase the physical safety of patients. The walls and ceilings are made of pre-engineered panels and the floors are chemical resistant and antistatic making the operation theatre easier to install and clean.

Why do we need Modular OT?

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Sterility: To have complete infection free cases

• To achieve a very low level of Bacteria count in the ot
• To have non-porous, seamless, easily cleanable surfaces
• To reduce the need of frequent disinfestation.

Work-Flow Management

• To have concealed wiring and medical pipeline system
• To have a complete hassle-free floor area leading to enhanced equipment and personal movement
• To have effective lighting system to operate under better conditions.

Aesthetics – Pleasing work environment

• Effective lighting by maintaining LUX levels
• Clean air quality and effective ventilation
• Pleasing work environment through the use of different walls and floor colours.

Features of a Modular OT?

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• A continuous flow of highly filtered “Bacteria free” air into the operation theatre.
• A continuous removal of contaminated air out of the operation theatre
• Durable anti-bacterial paint
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Permeability of vapour to escape which protects against the growth of yeast and microbes
• Moisture and Thaw resistance
• Easy to move and get hands on the instruments
• Should be able to accommodate a number of doctors inside.

Major components of Modular OT system

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The Wall and ceiling

A modular OT is a free-standing structure constructed inside a hospital room. The panels of Modular OT are made of Steel or glass. A 200 micron coat of anti-microbial paint is sprayed on the inside of the panels facing the OT table.

All four corners of the room will have provisions for air duct. Sufficient room should be given inside the operation theatre for easier operation procedure and the remaining space should be used for storage. The joints and cavities must be filled with epoxy and sanded flush to provide a joint less surface.

Laminar air flow unit – Plenum

A Modular OT consists of a laminar air flow unit which supplies air into the Modular OT. Laminar flow is defined as the flow of fluid in which the entire flow is steady with uniform velocity in which the flow of lines is parallel to each other.

Laminar flow unit is used in Modular OTs

• To control the temperature and humidity of space,
• To assist in the removal and dilution of waste aesthetic gases
• To dilute airborne bacterial contamination
• To control the movement of air within the department, such that the amount of airborne bacteria is minimal.

Light

Lights of a Modular OT are fixed to its ceilings. Clear and effective lighting is crucial to the operation. Integral lighting systems provide illuminations in excess of 1300Lux.

Pendants 

Pendants are used in Modulate OTs for convenient positioning of Medical gas pipeline, Equipment and other tools. These are flexible enough to be fixed at variable heights and distances.

Pendants provide,

• Medical gas supply
• Electrical power supply
• Data points
• Shelves for some equipment
• Drawers for accessories
• Mounting of medical devices and others

Hermetically Sliding door

The use of hermetically sliding door is to maintain the correct air pressure inside the modular OT. Also Hermetically sliding doors use very less space compared to hinges or any other types of doors. The door should have rubber wheels and made to run on a nylon platform to reduce the abrasion. The doors can be either automatic with controls or manual. It should also be worked manually at the time of power failure.

OT Control panel

OT Control panel is an electric control panel fixed to the wall of modular OT. Nearly 9 types of controls can be mounted on the panel. These controls include medical gases, medical equipment, Ventilation system etc…

Anti-Static Flooring 

Anti-static flooring is used in industries where static can cause interference or damage to employees and/or equipment. Anti-static industrial floors inhibit the generation of electrostatic discharge or ESD, which is the pulse of static electricity that happens when a charged person or surface comes into contact with another object.

With the thoughts that are shifting between hope and anxiety, the stroke survivors and their family members go through a lot. This happens especially after the discharge from the hospital.

While a few survivors recover on their own, at least two thirds of stroke survivors need some sort of rehabilitation. The extent of the therapy is determined by the physiatrist who is experienced in Stroke Rehabilitation.

The initial consultation followed by a thorough analysis of the current condition of the survivor, the therapist sets up the goal, and devises a therapy plan upon consulting other rehab specialists.

This therapy could be typically availed as an outpatient service but few facilities offer it as an inpatient rehabilitation service. The roadmap to therapy, and eventually to recovery, is laid after considering every minute aspect that can pose a threat or cause an interruption during the therapy.

Setting up a platform that works seamlessly

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The goals are set, the path is fixed, and the rehabilitation is started. But what to expect from the whole therapy course?

The rehabilitation experts, as a team or as individuals, start working towards the time-bound goals. The progress will be evaluated on a weekly basis and the pace is checked against the date.

If there are any challenges related to the speed of recovery, responsiveness, involvement of the survivor, these weekly evaluations address them timely and try to get the recovery back on track.

Communication, and an empathetic and supportive environment play an important role during the recovery. And, it is possible only when the team of doctors, patients, and their family members align themselves to the determined goals.

What to expect from the stroke rehabilitation therapies?

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Each stroke survivor will have different sets of needs and different therapists work on addressing them. Typically here is what to expect from the therapy sessions.

• Therapy sessions – Employing both the individual and group therapy sessions whenever there is need, the rehabilitation specialists conduct therapy sessions on a daily basis. Again, the frequency of these sessions is determined by the physical medicine and rehabilitation experts and varies from person to person.
• Support just the way it is needed – Positive approach in a therapy always yields better results and the survivors feel positive when they feel they are being recovered in a supportive and engaging environment. Expect psychological and emotional support from the therapists, communicate with them, and express the difficulties or discomforts.
• Occupational therapy – The stroke survivors need additional strategies and comfortable ways to go about with the day-to-day activities and the experienced and trained occupational therapists will help them manage their day in a more comfortable way. This support may also be extended to the career and professions.
• Using the techniques such as neuroplasticity – Stroke survivors might have to learn the skills even though they knew it in the pre-stroke days. The brain needs to make new connections, and learn skills again. It takes time, practice and most importantly patients and determination.
• Therapy support from the other therapists – Stroke can lead to complex medical conditions such as vision and speech impairments. Vision therapy, and speech therapy for stroke patients is aimed to help the person to perform these functions in a better way.
• Support in physical activities – Everyday physical activities are essentials in the process of therapy. The therapists should help the survivors in performing these activities and these sessions should be in a one-on-one environment.

Therapy in a most holistic, advanced, supportive, and collaborative environment. In a nutshell, this is what the survivor or the family member should expect from stroke rehabilitation.

The importance of building trust and nurturing relationships between the survivors and the therapy team could not be emphasized further. This could be the backbone during the entire process of rehabilitation therapy for stroke survivors.

Radiology defines a wing of medicine that functions using radiant energy while diagnosing and treating diseases. In simple words, radiology means a process to determine whether a medical condition is present or not before moving ahead with the treatment. It is a test that takes images of different body parts and tries to find relevant issues to support a necessary diagnosis.

This branch of medicine comprises two areas – diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology. Both these forms use different radiant energy to provide a required diagnosis. Among the various radio imaging exams, some of the most common include- MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray, PET scan, etc. After the patients experience these tests, the radiologist will provide reports of their elucidations to the concerned doctors.

Now that individuals have a fair understanding of what radiology is, they should know about this diagnostic test’s different types and procedures.

The five most common radiological tests prescribed by doctors are explained below.

X-Rays

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X-ray is the most common and widely performed radiological test. It is non-invasive and painless. This method makes use of electromagnetic radiation to detect even minor anomalies. Modern x-ray machines have become more efficient, with a ray source on one side and radiation-sensitive plates on the other. It helps in quick imaging and gives instant results.

The Test Procedure

The patient has to place the concerned body part between the ray source and the radiation plate. The doctor might ask them to move or turn to take images from different angles. This process takes only about 10 to 15 minutes.

Simple x-rays are done for screening as well as diagnostic purposes. It can:

• detect hairline fractures, ligament tears, or lumps in certain areas
• diagnose conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, digestive tract issues, and infections
• track the severity of an injury and the effects of treatment on the patient’s body
• screening for and diagnosing the malignancy of breast lumps (mammogram)
• live imaging of blood flow, hard and soft tissues, and joints using a contrast dye like barium (fluoroscopy/barium swallow radiology)

Ultrasound

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Ultrasound, also called sonography, is another widespread radiological procedure. It uses high-frequency sound waves to detect different structures inside the body. There are no radiation waves in this test which makes this a safe procedure even for pregnant women. Ultrasound can be minimally invasive or non-invasive and mainly studies soft tissue structures and organs.

The Test Procedure

The doctor applies a gel on the target body part and places a transducer or probe which emits ultrasound waves. They move the probe around the body part to get a clear picture. For endoscopic ultrasound, the probe is inserted into the body through the patient’s mouth or rectum, depending on the part to be studied. The procedure can take about 25 minutes to 1 hour.

Purpose Of The Test

Ultrasound is used for diagnostic and interventional purposes. It is performed to:

• diagnose breast lumps, joint inflammation, and issues related to gall bladder and prostate
• diagnose inflammation or cancer in the digestive tract
• study the progression of a pregnancy
• act as a guide during biopsies

CT/CAT Scan

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A computerised Axial Tomography scan uses a series of ionising radiations to form a cross-sectional image of the patient’s whole body. It is a non-invasive procedure and helps study almost all body structures.

The Test Procedure

The patient is made to lie on a table that slides into the doughnut-shaped scanner. A scanning tube at the centre rotates around the patient’s body and creates a 3-D image. There is a transmitter inside the scanner through which the patient can talk to the doctor in case of nervousness or discomfort. The imaging takes only 15 to 20 minutes.

Purpose Of The Test

Doctors usually prescribe a CAT scan when other tests indicate some abnormality. It is done for diagnostic and radiology treatment purposes like:

• studying the severity of a traumatic injury or fracture
• detecting tumours and other abnormalities
• diagnosing infections and heart and vascular diseases
• guiding biopsies

MRI Scan

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging works very similarly to a CAT scan. Only, it uses magnetic fields instead of ionising radiation. This test works for almost all body parts and conditions.  Due to the absence of radiation, it is also considered a safer method. However, it takes longer than a CAT scan.

The Test Procedure

The patient is made to lie on the sliding table, which moves into the MRI scanner. The scanner rotates, sending magnetic waves to create a 3-D image of the patient’s body. As it does so, the scanner makes loud noises. The patient can interact with the doctor through the transmitter in case of discomfort.

Purpose Of The Test

MRI scan helps in diagnosing a wide array of conditions. It includes:

• spinal cord diseases
• issues related to soft tissues like organs, blood vessels, joints, and tendons
• strokes, aneurysms, and multiple sclerosis

PET Scan

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Positron Emission Tomography scan follows a different methodology than the ones discussed above. In this test, a radioactive drug, called a radiotracer, is inserted into the patient’s body. The PET scanner studies the transmission of this tracer on a cellular level. This radiography test helps study any abnormalities and the functioning of different body systems.

The Test Procedure

The radiotracers are introduced into the patient’s body via an injection into the veins or inhaling gases, or drinking a mixture containing radiotracers. It depends on the organ system or body part to be studied. After about an hour of introducing the radiotracer into the body, the scanning is done. The whole procedure might take up to  2 hours. The radiotracers are introduced into the patient’s body via an injection into the veins, inhaling gases, or drinking a mixture containing radiotracers.

Purpose Of The Test

PET scan is a highly efficient procedure for performing diagnostic imaging. It is used to diagnose:

• cancer
• cardiovascular diseases
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• digestive tract diseases
• seizures
• epilepsy

Virtual reality, sensors and 3D printing for a better follow-up of the patient throughout his journey

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If virtual reality can already be used to treat certain phobias, or even to help with rehabilitation thanks to mirror neurons, for example, the application of this technology combined with sensors and 3D printing could improve patient care throughout the course of their treatment, from diagnosis to post-operation follow-up.

Before the orthopedic operation and as a preventive measure, sensors could be used to monitor the patient’s physical data. For example, we could imagine a custom-made corset, which integrates sensors to follow in real time the evolution of the curvature of the back, as well as the use of post-operative implants capable of detecting possible complications.

Virtual reality technologies can also be used to plan and simulate the operation to be performed in a virtual environment, allowing the patient to experiment with several procedures in order to select the most appropriate one.

Virtual and mixed reality for the learning and training of doctors in orthopedics

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Originally, virtual reality in health was developed for educational purposes, for example by allowing a 3D reconstruction of the human body, to study in detail the different components and mechanisms of the body. This technology allows, for example, reconstruction by organ, and access to high quality educational information.

The development of virtual reality is revolutionizing surgical training methods: little by little, traditional methods such as teaching in the operating room or cadaver labs are being abandoned in favor of virtual reality, which provides a better viewpoint and a better understanding of the manipulations to be performed. This trend has become even more pronounced since the Covid-19 crisis, during which virtual reality has made it easier to train future surgeons.

Mixed reality, on the other hand, allows access to an immersive tutorial during an operation, to ensure that the correct actions are repeated.

Robotics and augmented mixed reality for greater precision in the orthopedic surgery operating room

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By introducing robotics, as well as augmented and virtual reality in the operating room, it is possible to significantly reduce variability during operations, to guarantee better results for patients.

The use of mixed reality in the operating room for orthopedic surgery, allowing the surgeon to be faster and more precise, is more recent. It was notably Prof. Thomas Gregory, in 2017, who demonstrated the interest of this technology in the operating room for orthopedics. Indeed, he operated on a shoulder prosthesis, assisted by mixed reality glasses, projecting a digital model on the patient, and gathering all the information collected during imaging examinations. The information available included, for example, the exact thickness of the tissue, or the precise location of surrounding organs invisible to the naked eye.

The hospital monitor trolley is considered to be one of the most useful and adaptable equipment. They play a variety of critical functions in providing quick and effective healthcare, and they are vital in numerous ways. Medical personnel across the globe are increasing their work efficiency by using them.

Hospital monitor trolleys are essential to medical institutions across the world. With their help, health facilities, treatment centres, and other medical institutions are able to provide high-quality care. Hospital monitor trolleys play a variety of roles that have an immediate positive influence on the effectiveness of care provided by hospitals.

The healthcare sector relies on a variety of high-end technologies to increase the workflow and efficiency of its medical staff. Stainless steel hospital monitor trolleys are commonly used in hospitals due to their high quality and resistance to corrosion, particularly in places where hygiene is of utmost priority. Though there are different kinds of trolleys available in the market, hospitals prefer the ones made of stainless steel because its strength and sterility makes these trolleys a centrepiece in medical technologies with clear advantages. Let’s take a look at those advantages in detail:.

Eases Cleaning and Disinfection

A dependable and sterile hospital monitor trolley does not jeopardise the hospital environ’s cleanliness and sanitation. The spills are simple to clean and does not invite germs, mildew, and rot. Healthcare facilities house a significant number of people suffering from transmissible diseases. So, the risk of transmission and infection is extremely high.

Top-notch hospital monitor trolleys made of stainless steel are electro-polished. So, they are almost always the preferred material for medical centres. Its key advantage is that it increases the trolley’s sanitary grade. It retains its lustre for long and its exterior holds contaminants at bay. It is scratch-resistant and easier to sterilise and cleanse. All of these features turn it into a great choice for medical centres.

Prevents Waste Reduction

By streamlining the procedure of arranging and accessing hospital instruments, high-quality hospital monitor trolleys assist hospitals in minimising surgical and clinical waste. As a result, it assists workers in keeping materials organised and easily accessible if needed.

Optimises Mobility & Portability

Hospital monitor trolleys also provide a secure and dependable means of moving multiple objects or equipment in one go. It is crucial to effectively move equipment properly since some of them may well be sharp and pose a safety concern to employees. Furthermore, because medical equipment are high-value objects, they must be carried in medical trolleys with a minimal chance of damage or substitution. Trolleys with wheels make it easier for employees to manoeuvre them across the halls with minimal effort.

Allows Carrying of Medicines & Equipment

In case you happen to be a healthcare professional who has to place orders, you may notice that a lot of the medication required by patients tends to weigh quite a lot. You wouldn’t want to have to carry a heavy load of medicine or lose time searching for hospital equipment while you’re in the midst of a patient’s care. At this juncture, a hospital monitor trolley will help you carry the medicine swiftly.If medical carts are built of steel alloys, they will last long. Stainless steel is perhaps the strongest material suitable for healthcare carts in the market.

Simplifies Storage & Increases Security

An added advantage of purchasing a hospital monitor trolley is that it may be used for storage. Employees in a healthcare facility need vital medications and supplies in hand. Trolleys are simple to set up and operate, and they provide a consistent experience for employees in healthcare. In addition to providing complete control over the trolley’s motions, the lockable structure can ensure protection while transporting medical supplies.

Promotes Diverse Range of Usages

Hospital monitor trolleys come in a variety of styles and sizes. This gives every medical institution the ability to acquire one that is appropriate for its need. Trolleys are versatile and sturdy, allowing them to be used in a variety of settings in the medical sector. For specific requirements or demands, the trolley must meet specified dimensions or standards.

Tips for Choosing the Best Hospital Monitor Trolley

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Hospital monitor trolleys come in a variety of shapes and colours to meet the needs of the hospitals. They often have two or more shelves with wheels for ease of movement. As safety features, several of them have locking mechanisms. Here’s how you can choose the right one.

• Take into account the portability of the trolley.
• Purchase it from a well-known hospital furniture manufacturer in INDIA.
• Consider the ease with which it can be assembled or disassembled.
• Ensure the wheels and brakes are functioning properly.
• Double-check for high-quality steel used in making the trolley.
• Pay attention to the quality of the locks in it.
• Choose a model with an ergonomic design for ease of sanitisation.

Advin Hospital Monitor Trolley

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• Advin Hospital Monitor Trolley

In vitro diagnostic tests have made it possible to accurately identify the specific microorganisms that cause disease and to perform additional testing to guide treatment selection. As such, diagnostic testing kits have become essential for diagnosing and monitoring disease, providing prognoses, and predicting treatment outcome. The global diagnostic market continues to grow, at a rate of 15% per year, and it forecasts to keep growing with the recent emergence of at-home diagnostic kits.

What Are Diagnostic Kits?

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A diagnostic test is a medical test that is performed to diagnose or detect a specific disease or condition. This is in contrast to prognostic tests that predicts the likelihood of developing a disease or specific likely events happening during the course of that disease. These tests often come as pre-packaged test kits, which typically contain reagents and other items necessary to conduct the test to detect the presence of or to measure the levels of a given biomarker. These kits can also provide genetic information regarding mutations, deletions, and other abnormalities. Kits that test for genetic markers are often designed based on a newly discovered link between a patient genotype and the disease phenotype. Companies line Bio-Rad, Qiagen, and Abbott are some of the leaders in the diagnostic kit market.

Kits serve a variety of purposes and provide clinicians with a wide range of information, including the likelihood of a patient developing a complex disease over time, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. In effect, these kits allow the physician to advise practical changes in lifestyle that may minimize future health risks or maximize preventative medical care. In addition to diagnosing disease, testing can also help determine the optimal course of treatment, specific to the patient in question. This includes more comprehensive diagnostic tests that can evaluate samples on the genomic level and can be used to analyze multiple genetic factors.

Diagnostic kits can serve various purposes

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Diagnostic: These tests are used to confirm when a person has signs or symptoms of a genetic disease.

Predictive: A predictive test is used to search for genetic mutations linked with a specific condition, and indicates a person’s propensity to develop a disease before any symptoms are present. Moreover, complementary predictive diagnostic testing may provide information about how useful a therapeutic treatment may be in treating disease, but is not required to prescribe the drug, whereas companion testing is needed to prescribe it.

Pre-symptomatic: Pre-symptomatic tests are similar to predictive tests. These tests are used to determine risk for genetic conditions already known to be present in their family but show no symptoms.

Pharmacogenomic: Pharmacogenomic screening is a type of genetic test that may indicate a person’s response to certain types of drug treatment. This is still only available for a limited number of drugs, including Warfarin and Tamoxifen.

At-Home Diagnostic Kits

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At-home diagnostic kits help people perform tests in the comfort of their house and typically provide rapid results, sometimes in as little as a minute. These kits can include health monitoring equipment that can be used to monitor blood pressure and insulin levels in diabetic patients. The increased adoption of these self-help and do-it-yourself kits is due to convenience and the ability to obtain results quickly, at an affordable cost. While doubts among end-users remain about their overall reliability, rapid testing kits, such as those for COVID-19, are increasingly being used by the public. As such, the at-home testing kit market is expected to reach $8M by 2028, with high competition in the market driving the increase.

Medical device companies continue to develop new diagnostic kits for use in the lab and at home, serving a wide range of populations. With the growing geriatric population, rising awareness of personal health, and an increased interest in human genetics, the demand for diagnostic kits is projected to grow in the coming years, driven in part by higher demand for at-home diagnostic tools. As exemplified by the demand for rapid COVID-19 testing kits, the call for at-home diagnostic tools is likely to remain high; however, the current lack of reimbursement policies and high production costs will likely create roadblocks in meeting the short- and long-term demand for these diagnostics devices.

Rules & Regulation OF Diagnostic Lab

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Laboratory developed tests (LDTs) are not commercially marketed to other entities or sold as medical devices in the diagnostics market. Though the FDA has stated they believe LDTs to be “medical devices,” the laboratories that develop them argue they are more aptly described as “testing services” and should not fall under the FDA’s regulation. The FDA typically does not actively enforce most of its regulations on laboratories that offer these services. However, they do impose certain restrictions over the sale of specific reagents used in the kits to these labs. Under these regulations, the reagent manufacturers must meet the regulations rather than the laboratories themselves.

Conversely, genetic in vitro diagnostic kits are commercially marketed by medical device manufacturers as testing kits sold to laboratories, which perform the tests. They can include reagents, collection devices, and measurement apparatuses, and fall under either Class II or Class III “medical devices” of the FDA’s Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. While Class II in vitro kits must satisfy slightly less stringent requirements, Class II devices face stringent requirements set by the FDA, including approval before sale.

In vitro kits must also meet specific labeling requirements. This includes clear and concise labeling of the immediate container as well as any inserts and the outer packaging. The container should identify the product, lot number, intended use, a statement of warning where applicable, and for reagents, concentration, storage, and manipulation instructions, as well as a means to assure that the product meets appropriate standards of purity, such as an expiration date. The outer package label should include the established product name, a summary or explanation of the test, and identify whether it’s a qualitative or quantitative test.

With digital technology becoming the norm of daily life, it’s not surprising to see it make its way into the healthcare industry. Digital technology is being used in hospitals to help patients interact with doctors. Many hospitals have already implemented electronic health records, so any healthcare professional can access the information anywhere at any time, such as the hospital, doctor’s offices, patients’ homes, etc.

What Is A Smart Hospital?

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There are three crucial layers that will help improve the quality of care – data, insight and access security entities. A smart hospital would make it easier to interact with patients, but the challenge to bringing this technology “to life” is how we can implement into existing hospitals. Because the infrastructure is aging, and IT systems are piecemealed over a number of years, making integration difficult.

A smart hospital is one equipped with a digital brain (artificial intelligence) that meets the needs of all the patients. Movies such as IRobot, Resident Evil and others touch on smart buildings. But instead of focusing on the “evil” aspects of these buildings, focus on what a smart hospital could do.

For example, the building recognizes you have a broken leg and sets up appointments with the right medical team and helps with the readying of the equipment, medical supplies and treatment room. From there, it tells you when your appointment is with the staff.

If a smart hospital is to be developed, the building must be changed to handle the Internet of Things (IoT) so that physical objects can be combined with digital technology. A central digital platform is the only way all these can be successfully combined to create a smart hospital.

This is attainable through a human-developed design based on works in hospitals and what could be better. Looking at various hospital surveys, people who feel like they’re heard or get a response to their concerns are much happier about the experience.

Developing a digital strategy that combines an array of building, medical and operational systems while also allowing patient access to much-needed information on various devices isn’t easy.

Benefits Of A Smart Hospital Management System

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Improve patient satisfaction.

Mobile applications from a bedside tablet can be tied into the building management system to give patients control over their own room temperature and lighting, as well as the ability to call the nurse, view noise levels, and control their smart TV.

Improved Diagnosis and Treatment

The primary benefit of a smart hospital management system is that it improves patient diagnosis and treatment. The patient’s health report and medical history from the past to the present, as well as the illness he is suffering from and the care he received, can all be added to and accessed via the HMS. Using this knowledge, doctors can better assess patients’ health problems, ultimately empowering them to provide the best care possible.

Availability of Information At Fingertips

The hospital’s data enables you to track and monitor various events to improve your approach and set performance targets. With a smart hospital management system, you will have all of the details you need at your fingertips, including the patient’s medical history, inventory, finance, workforce, and more. You can use this knowledge to figure out what flaws there are in the system or in which department and how to fix them. The information also aids you in developing a long-term strategy for your healthcare facility.

Reduce Unnecessary Expenses

When all of the hospital’s operations are handled manually, there is a high risk of information leakage and irregularities. Because, as humans, we are prone to making mistakes. These errors will have serious consequences in the long run. However, with the aid of a smart hospital management system, you can easily control all of the hospital’s operations, even with fewer human resources. Moreover, this will also limit human interference in the system, resulting in lower operational costs and less leakage.

Enhance productivity.

A digital infrastructure utilizes forward thinking network connectivity to enhance wireless communication and transfer of digital data such as electronic medical records and digital imaging. Being able to access patient information remotely through smartphones and tablets enables hospital staff to react efficiently and quickly, improving not on productivity, but also patient care.

Protect them like they are your own.

With a digital, intelligent infrastructure, hospital security teams can integrate video surveillance, access control, intercom, intruder detection, fire safety, RTLS, among other security systems to provide real-time data and alarms. In addition, in the event a security incident occurs, actionable reports with traceability are available for forensic analysis.

Increased Data Protection

Another significant advantage of hospital management systems is improved data protection. Since everything is done through a secure system, only authorized individuals have access to the specific data collection. Furthermore, in a cloud-based hospital management system, everything is interconnected, ensuring that there are no risks of data loss and that the patients’ medical history or condition information remains completely protected.

Real-time Data Access

Since a smart hospital management system is a centralized system, doctors, administrative personnel, and other employees can access data in real-time, enabling them to make the best decisions possible. For example, the real-time data about the inventory will assist management in replenishing and updating the inventory. Similarly, the real-time data about the patient’s treatment will assist doctors in making clinical decisions with no room for error or ambiguity.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells. HIV destroys these CD4 cells, weakening a person’s immunity against opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, severe bacterial infections and some cancers.

WHO recommends that every person who may be at risk of HIV should access testing. People at increased risk of acquiring HIV should seek comprehensive and effective HIV prevention, testing and treatment services. HIV infection can be diagnosed using simple and affordable rapid diagnostic tests, as well as self-tests. It is important that HIV testing services follow the 5Cs: consent, confidentiality, counselling, correct results and connection with treatment and other services.

People diagnosed with HIV should be offered and linked to antiretroviral treatment (ART) as soon as possible following diagnosis and periodically monitored using clinical and laboratory parameters, including the test to measure virus in the blood (viral load). If ART is taken consistently, this treatment also prevents HIV transmission to others.

At diagnosis or soon after starting ART, a CD4 cell count should be checked to assess a person’s immune status. The CD4 cell count is a blood test used to assess progression of HIV disease, including risk for developing opportunistic infections and guides the use of preventive treatment. The normal range of CD4 count is from 500 to 1500 cells/mm3 of blood, and it progressively decreases over time in persons who are not receiving or not responding well to ART. If the person’s CD4 cell count falls below 200, their immunity is severely compromised, leaving them susceptible to infections and death. Someone with a CD4 count below 200 is described as having an advanced HIV disease (AHD).

HIV viral load measures the amount of virus in the blood. This test is used to monitor the level of viral replication and effectiveness of ART. The treatment goal is to reduce the viral load in the blood to undetectable levels (less than 50 copies/ml), and the persistent presence of detectable viral load (greater than 1000 copies/ml) in people living with HIV on ART is an indicator of inadequate treatment response and the need to change or adjust the treatment regimen.

The Spread of HIV

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Transmission of HIV occurs through contact with certain body fluids of someone infected with HIV. These fluids include:

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal fluid
• Anal fluid
• Breast milk

The most common form of HIV transmission in the United States is sharing drug injection equipment with or having sex with someone infected with HIV. Mothers with HIV can also pass the virus on to their child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, but proper treatment greatly reduces this risk.

Prevention of HIV

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Reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV by practicing the following safe behaviors:

• Correctly use condoms every time you have sex
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Never share equipment for injecting drugs

Stages of HIV

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There are three stages of HIV infection: acute HIV infection, clinical latency and AIDS. The infection gets worse as it progresses, eventually overwhelming your immune system without proper treatment. Progression through the stages occurs at different rates depending on a number of factors, including:

• Genetic makeup
• Level of health before infection
• Amount of exposure to the virus
• Genetic characteristics of the virus
• How quickly treatment begins
• Proper use of HIV medications
• Health-related choices such as exercise, a healthy diet and not smoking

Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection

Two to four weeks after getting infected with HIV, people may develop severe flu-like symptoms. This is the acute HIV infection stage, which is also sometimes called “primary HIV infection” or “acute retroviral syndrome.” The symptoms can include:

• Swollen glands
• Fever
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Joint and muscle aches and pains
• Headache

Large amounts of HIV are being produced during this stage, so the number of CD4 cells drops rapidly. The immune response eventually brings the level of HIV down to a relatively stable level called the viral set point. Once the virus level drops, CD4 levels begin to rise, but usually don’t return to pre-infection levels. Due to the high levels of HIV, people in this stage are at a higher risk for transmitting the virus.

Stage 2: Clinical Latency

After the initial acute stage, HIV moves into the clinical latency stage, sometimes called “chronic HIV infection” or “asymptomatic HIV infection.” The term “latency” is used because the virus lives and reproduces at low levels within the infected individual without producing symptoms. Even though people are free of symptoms during the clinical latency stage, it’s still possible to transmit HIV to others; treatment helps reduce this risk.

Without treatment, the clinical latency stage usually lasts around 10 years, although people may progress through it faster or slower depending on a number of factors. When the viral load begins to rise again and CD4 levels fall, you eventually progress to the third and final stage of HIV infection.

Stage 3: AIDS

In the final stage of HIV infection, the immune system is badly damaged and the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections. You have progressed to AIDS when at least one of the following occurs:

The level of CD4 cells falls to less than 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

You develop one or more opportunistic infections.

People with AIDS usually survive about three years without treatment. Starting treatment after you have AIDS is helpful, but it’s more beneficial to begin treatment during one of the earlier stages. Most people with HIV in the United States rarely progress to AIDS thanks to effective treatment that controls the disease progression.

HIV Treatment

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There is currently no cure for HIV, but people with HIV can live healthier, longer lives with proper treatment. Using HIV medicines to treat HIV is called antiretroviral therapy or ART. It includes a combination of HIV medicines taken every day. ART prevents the multiplication of HIV and lowers the amount of HIV in the body. Lower levels of HIV helps protect the immune system and keeps HIV infection from advancing to AIDS. Proper treatment also reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

 Testing for HIV

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The only way to determine whether or not you have HIV is to get tested. It’s important to know if you are infected because you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of transmitting HIV to others and start treatment. Early treatment is the best way to control the progression of HIV. If you notice flu-like symptoms after suspected exposure to HIV, then see a health care provider immediately. Because HIV infection can be difficult to detect with testing during the initial stage, it’s important to tell your healthcare provider that you think you’re at risk.

HIV/AIDS is a serious infection that attacks the immune system. However, with proper treatment, people infected with HIV can often live as long as someone without the infection.

The Effects of Tobacco Use on Oral Health

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China consumes and produces more tobacco than any other country in the world. The next country in line is India. According to the WHO Global Report on Mortality, about 35 per cent of Indians over the age of 15 use tobacco and over 10 lakhs Indians die every year from tobacco-related diseases. Although the consumption of tobacco has declined over the past 2-3 years, the north-eastern states of India have been reported to have the highest consumption of tobacco in India.

Most of us know that tobacco consumption is harmful to health. A lot has been written about the effects of tobacco on health. Here we’ll talk about tobacco effects on our oral health. Some of the common oral health issues are as follows:

Bad Breath

The smoke particles left behind after smoking a cigarette stay in the mouth for quite some time leading to bad breath, which is commonly called stale smoker’s breath. Smoking or chewing tobacco also decreases the flow of saliva. Dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria thereby causing bad breath.

Tooth Discoloration

Nicotine is easily absorbed by your teeth. Although nicotine is colourless, it combines with oxygen to change the colour of the teeth from white to yellow. In people who chew tobacco, the nicotine combines with saliva to form a dark brown liquid which when allowed to stay in the mouth for long can stain the enamel.

Gum Disease

 

Smoking or chewing tobacco affects the attachment of the gums to the teeth. This is because the plaque formed near the gum line interferes with the gum tissue cells leaving your immune system compromised and making it harder for your body to fight off infections. The presence of nicotine reduces the blood flow to the gums, thus making you susceptible to oral infections. Particles left behind in the mouth increases the symptoms of dry mouth, providing an optimum environment for the bacteria to proliferate and cause inflammation. Tobacco use also affects the bone structure of the mouth as well as gum recession. These factors can increase your risk of jaw bone infection, which may lead to loss of teeth.

Lowered Success Rate of Dental Implants

A cosmetic procedure, such as dental implants, rely on having healthy, adequate bone in place to support the teeth. In smoker or tobacco users since the immune system is compromised the healing process take longer than usual. The same is the case if the tooth is extracted or if an oral surgery is performed. The recovery time is delayed.

Increased Chances of Developing Oral Cancer

Tobacco consumption contributes to 80 to 90% of diagnosed oral cancers. Therefore, mouth/jaw cancer is the number one reason why you should quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Although, tobacco causes many other health issues, they are less life threatening than cancer. Tobacco finds its way to the glands of your mouth and is easily filtered into your mouth tissues. Constant use of tobacco means constant absorption and filtration into the system making way for mouth cancer to spawn.

How to save yourself from facing these oral health issues? The answer is simple, just quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Here’s how you can overcome this habit:

Make a plan to quit the habit

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You need to have a plan in place because with a plan handy it is easier to stay focused and motivated to quit. You can build your own plan or research online for a quit plan that’ll work for you.

Stay busy

Being busy is a great way to distract your mind and keep it occupied. Some of the activities you should try to keep you busy are:

• Exercise
• Movie or dinner with non-smoking friends and family
• Walk
• Chew gum
• Take deep breaths
• Drink lots of water

Stay away from triggers

People, things, places, and situations are your triggers that make you give in to your urge to consume tobacco. Here are some tips to stay away from the triggers:

• Get rid of cigarettes, lighters, and ash trays or anything that remotely reminds you of tobacco.
• Caffeine can make you jittery. Avoid it, try drinking water instead.
• Rest well and eat healthy.

Stay positive

Quitting doesn’t happen in a day. The best approach to take is one day at a time. Most importantly, stay positive. Prepare your mind to quit first. Set a date and stick to it.

Ask for help from family and friends

Sometimes it gets difficult to rely solely on your willpower. Let your friends and family in. Ask them to support you on your plan to quit. Let them know what kind of support you’ll need from them. They can be a solid support, especially when you are going through a rough phase.