Medical Lab Equipment

Taking a Closer Look at the Evidence of a Crime Scene

2008-09-26T00:31:00.002+08:00

After CSI technicians have recovered suspicious material evidence like a possible accelerant at a crime scene suspected as arson, they bring it back to the crime lab and look at the evidence more closely. The scientific procedures used in an actual crime lab are similar to those you see on the CSI TV shows. In this article, we will discuss some of the procedures used when CSI technicians examine evidence in closer detail.

In a scientific crime lab, the following procedures are used to analyze compounds up close:

Gas chromatography
Mass spectroscopy, and
Infrared spectrophotometry

No doubt, you may have heard of these terminologies when watching your favorite CSI program.

Gas chromatography (GC) is a method used to identify what a compound is and how far each part of it moves through an inert gas, or noble gas. GC very quickly separates mixtures of compounds into individual parts in this way.

The way GC is performed is that a lab technician injects a liquid sample into one end of the column that is heated and vaporized. The vapor enters the column and flows with the moving inert gas until it reaches another gadget called a detector. Different compounds move at different speeds and thus separate from each other. During this change, the individual compounds arrive at the detector at different times. It is a scientific marathon for individual compounds. The detector then signals another gadget called a recorder that prints a graph, called a chromatograph, that denotes each of the compounds detected. Many times, the result of the GC are needed by technicians to determine the composition of the unknown substance. If they need more information, technicians can combine the results of the GC with the results of either infrared spectrophotometry or mass spectroscopy.

Mass spectroscopy (MS) is another technique used in a crime lab to determine a substance's chemical makeup. Since no two substances have the exact same chemical makeup, or chemical fingerprint, this gadget can be used to determine the makeup of one substance and compare it to another.

The mass spectroscope is a machine that showers a compound with a beam of high-energy electrons that cause the separation of that compound. The resulting individual fragments then pass through an electric or magnetic field that separates them according to their individual masses. The pattern of fragmentation of the unknown compound is then compared via computer to known patterns of fragmentation on record and scrutinized by a technician with the hope of determining a consistency that unveils the composition of the unknown compound.

The GC and MS can be used together. This conglomerate is called a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The GC feeds each separated gaseous substance into the MS which in turn determines the substance's mass spectrum. Just about any substance can be identified using this combination.

Finally, infrared spectrophotometry (IR) is a technique used to identify the absorption spectrum of a compound since each compound has a unique infrared absorption spectrum. This method determines the amount of infrared light absorbed by the compound of interest and results in a chemical fingerprint of that same compound.

IR can also be used in conjunction with GC, and the GC-IR combination very quickly gives results that are just as accurate as the ones given by the GC-MS combination.

Interpreting the Results

Even though technicians can not always determine the exact manufacturer of a given compound, a comparative analysis between the unknown compound and those taken from suspected areas may help them trace the unknown sample to a particular gas station or hardware store that sells the accelerant.

Though this particular investigative technique is not totally reliable, the investigative criminal scientist may be able to say that it came from a particular source.

The next time you watch any of the CSI shows, you will have better knowledge of what some of these techniques are used for whenever you hear the terminologies we have discussed.

Fabiola Castillo is an online marketer for the website NinjaCOPS SuperStore. This virtual store specializes in personal defense products where you can buy the best pepper spray, kubatons keychains, hidden video spy surveillance cameras, nunchaku training videos, civilian Tasers, expandable steel batons, and many other home security products.

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Laboratory Refrigerators - Be Sure

2008-08-18T01:00:00.001+08:00

When it comes to buying equipment for medical labs and pharmacies, one has to be doubly sure, before investing, especially when it is in Laboratory Refrigerators. This is because, laboratories need to store a large number of samples and fluids for testing, and if these aren't kept in the right temperature, they will get spoiled. Hence, it is always advisable to go in for a well known brand, like Aegis Scientific.

The refrigeration requirement for medical labs and pharmacies is higher than that of households. Therefore, an Undercounter Lab Refrigerator becomes a necessary addition for such setups. These refrigerators are heavy-duty units that are capable of maintaining very low temperatures.

Aegis Undercounter Laboratory Refrigerators is extremely popular among scientists and researchers. Some notable features of these Lab Refrigerators are:

Undercounter construction with LED display

Integrated automatic alarm system with audible and visual notification

Alarm contacts and access port for auxiliary monitoring / alarm systems

Keyed standard door lock

Forced-air circulation for superior temperature control and uniformity

The Undercounter Lab Refrigerator from Aegis Scientific Series III, for instance, is a compact refrigerator that has a storage capacity of 3 cubic feet. This refrigerator is perfect for storing vaccines, serums, blood and other medicinal preparations that require storage at lower temperature. It has 1 hinged door, epoxy coated wire shelves and thick triple paned glass that promises stability in the long run. This Aegis Scientific Undercounter Laboratory Refrigerator also features a digital temperature readout that tells the temperature of the refrigerator. It has a critical design and performance features, required for laboratory use.

The cabinet offers superior temperature control and uniformity required for short-term and long-term storage of biological preparations, reagents and other temperature sensitive materials. Security considerations for protection of high value items include a controller lock-out function to prohibit unauthorized setpoint changes, and a keyed locking door.

There are many Aegis Scientific Lab Refrigerators to choose from, among other popular brands. You can browse through the Cooler Direct store, that offers some of the best Undercounter Lab Refrigerators, at affordable prices.

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Medical Imaging Equipment Financing

2008-08-17T01:00:00.000+08:00

Medical imaging equipment plays a vital role in the medical field in diagnosing various diseases. They come in various ranges from x-ray to CT scan. Due to the extreme cost of these machines, medical imaging equipment financing is becoming essential.

CT scan machines provide multiple images of required organ in the patient's body. It has the capability of disclosing internal organs, muscles, soft tissues and blood vessels. It is indispensable in modern medical field. However the cost of CT scanner is extremely high and so medical imaging equipment financing is the best option to acquire them.

Radiology equipment is a collective term for various types of equipment. X-rays, Computed tomography, ultrasounds, radio waves etc can be termed as radiology equipment. They are vitally important to diagnose varied diseases. The equipment involves administrating some minute dose of radio active substance to the patient's body to take clear images of the internal organs and blood vessels. The different types of radiology equipment are required to deal different complications. Hence a health care institution requires keeping all those equipment in order to offer valuable service to patients. However the equipment can be expensive and so many health care institutes look for medical imaging equipment financing.

X-ray machines are essential to diagnose any problem in bone structure like bone fracture or abnormal bone growth. They can also be used to diagnose tumors. Hence it is indispensable in every health care institute. Though essential, they can be pricey. Hence medical imaging equipment financing is often preferable.

Endoscope equipment provides valuable service in assessing certain diseases. They have the ability to take pictures and disclose clear images of internal organs. Due to its functionality it costs high. Hence many health and medical institutes find it wise to go for financing to acquire such medical imaging equipment.

Sonogram is very useful in providing images of internal organs. It uses sound waves to take pictures. It is sophisticated medical imaging equipment. It helps to diagnose complications in arteries, veins, muscles etc. It is effective in detecting tumors. Sonogram is highly useful for patients who can not tolerate radio active substances. Since it is more sophisticated and safe, it costs high. Hence many medical institutes find it advisable to seek medical imaging equipment financing.

X-ray film processor equipment is required to process and print the image taken by an x-ray machine. It is essential for certain health care institutes. It is extremely expensive and so financing is the best option to purchase it.

Ultrasound equipment is very useful in diagnosing complications in interior organs. It is a painless procedure and it requires only few minutes to obtain images. It is safe also. Hence it is highly used to disclose the growth of baby during pregnancy. This equipment can be expensive and so medical imaging equipment financing is often essential to buy them.

There are some reliable finance companies that have vast experience in medical imaging equipment leasing. They can understand the need for such equipment and so they grant fast approval to the applicant for the desired amount.

Chris Fletcher's page features more about new and used Medical Imaging Equipment Financing and other finance topics.

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Medical Transcipton - Transcribing Laboratory Tests

2008-08-16T01:00:00.000+08:00

The number of new diagnostic laboratory tests has dramatically increased over the past decade or so. The complexity of the tests offered is also greater than ever before in medical history. This growth in the field of laboratory medicine is due to the demand by physicians for new and improved diagnostic procedures and the ever-expanding capacity of modern technology to meet this demand with more and more sophisticated laboratory methods and equipment.

A medical transcriptionist will come in contact with dictation on a daily basis that details results of laboratory tests performed on patients. The medical transcriptionist is required to transcribe the material with accuracy. It is extremely important for the medical transcriptionist to be familiar with the names and abbreviations of many laboratory tests, the reasons they are available to physicians, and the meaning of the lab results.

Hospital laboratories are equipped to handle hundreds of tests each day. Larger hospitals perform all standard laboratory tests, as well as uncommon tests, which may be required by a smaller hospital or clinic whose facilities are not equipped to handle unusual tests.

There are many brief forms, slang, and special terms associated with the blood. Brief forms are acceptable in medical reports, however, the medical transcriptionist should always spell out in full any slang words which are dictated. Examples are:

• Monos is an acceptable brief form that the physician may dictate. The medical transcriptionist should type monocytes.

• Lytes is a slang term the physician may use in dictation. The medical transcriptionist should type electrolytes.

Other common tests include:

• Hemoglobin and hematocrit: A physician may dictate H&H. The Medical Transcriptionist should type: Hemoglobin and hematocrit.

• Low-density lipoproteins: A physician may dictate LDL. The Medical Transcriptionist should type: Low-density lipoproteins.

Laboratory test results are measured and reported most often using the metric system. Transcribing laboratory tests presents unique challenges for the Medical Transcriptionist. Being able to correctly transcribe the name of a laboratory test or its abbreviation is just one step in the process. Numerical results must be transcribed with “absolute” accuracy with extra care taken to place decimal points accurately and to transcribe units of measure correctly.

A Medical Transcriptionist should also have a firm grasp of why a test was ordered and what the results indicate. As a student of Medical Transcription, you will want to study with extra care the critical area of laboratory tests transcription diligently. The technology of medicine increases daily. Laboratory tests and procedures also increase on a daily basis. It is a real and extremely necessary challenge for the Medical Transcriptionist to stay up-to-date of these changes.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon, Medical Transcriptionist. Visit us at http://www.aboutmedicaltranscription.info for more information about the unique and rewarding career choice of Medical Transcription. Visit Camelot Articles http://www.camelotarticles.com for a variety of FREE reprint articles for your newsletter, web sites or blogs.

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Schools for Medical Technology Education

2008-08-15T01:00:00.000+08:00

The occupation of medical technologist takes a fair amount of health care education, and you can get the training you need from some of the best schools in the US and Canada. As a fully trained medical technologist, you will be qualified to perform a full range of simple and complex laboratory tests to uncover diseases such as cancer and diabetes. You can prepare to enter this important field of medicine with a degree in medical technology.

Professionals in the field are usually required to possess a bachelor degree with a major in medical technology or one of the life sciences. The typical course will include classes in biology, chemistry, microbiology, math, and even practical computer applications. Students learn to prepare blood, urine and tissue specimens for examination; match blood types for transfusion; use microscopes, cell counters and other lab equipment to look for abnormal cells; make tissue cultures; perform a variety of simple and complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests; evaluate test results; and much more.

Training in medical technology may be found in colleges and universities, as well as hospitals and medical schools. The serious student should consider only those medical technology schools that are accredited by The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), or another respected accrediting agency, such as the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Upon graduation, the medical technologist may seek certification from a nationally accredited agency, such as American Medical Technologists (AMT). The medical professional with these credentials will have an edge over the competition, as well as increased salary potential.

To learn more about how you can learn to be a medical technologist, contact a few appropriate schools on our website and request in-depth information from each one. You will soon be able to make a good, solid decision about your future in the health care industry.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Medical Technology Schools, Colleges, Universities, Online Schools, and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.

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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs Salary Expectations

2008-08-14T01:00:00.000+08:00

A medical lab assistants job is one of the toughest, demanding and physically exhausting jobs ever. A medical lab assistant is one of the pillars of the medical society, providing support and a helping hand to doctors, physicians and civilians alike. A medical lab assistant's job is to take care of the administrative as well as clinical tasks of the hospital or individual he is working under. One could look at a medical lab assistant as the support staff needed for any major event. A medical assistant provides help in various forms in a medical environment such as a medical lab, clinic or a hospital.

A medical assistant performs a lot of jobs, all physically as well as mentally demanding. This is not a job for people weak at heart. In his lifetime, a medical assistant sees things which people have rarely ever seen. A medical assistant's daily jobs may require him / her to perform various chores like wheeling in stretchers and trolleys, taking blood samples, sterilising equipment, quality and waste control, maintaining and operating various machines, various forms of testing and sometimes in lean hours may even extend to some clerical work.

As it is widely known, a medical lab assistant's job is not an easy one. Due to the high level of physical requirements this job is only for strong people, persons who can weather out the rough job on a daily basis. Though the main requirement for the job is physical prowess, it is not only just muscle that matters. It is a common misconception that medical assistant's are all about muscle and physicality. Contrary to expectations a medical assistant is often a highly educated and intelligent person. A medical assistant is required to monitor patients and often administer medicines and perform blood tests etc. all of which requires a high level of intelligence, patience and knowledge.

According to surveys performed by a few famous companies, it has been established that a normal medical assistant under normal circumstances works for about 35-50 hours a week, normally from Monday to Friday and averages a pay of about £17,000 - £20,000 for a trainee and about £25,000 for a professional medical assistant per year. The survey also goes on to state that there are more than 3,000 medical assistants working in the UK, mostly in government hospitals and in private hospitals in clinics. You can find out more about medical assistant jobs at http://www.jobsformedicalassistant.com

A medical lab assistant's job is one involving a high level of responsibility, accuracy and ability to work under pressure. A medical lab assistant can compile up a
resume if he / she thinks they are capable and qualified for the job. One could find a job as a medical assistant almost anywhere. One could apply to the nearest hospital of choice or visit a private clinic or hospital for job openings. One could also look up the classifieds section in papers for openings or search for jobs all over the world over the internet. Recruitment websites provide job openings for medical lab assistant's world-over.

Article by Dean Forster at http://www.jobsformedicalassistant.com You can find out more about work and salaries in this field at => Medical Assistant Jobs

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Medical Technology Training

2008-08-13T01:00:00.000+08:00

There are a lot of choices when it comes to health care education, and one of the most interesting would have to be medical technology training. The best medical technology schools across the US and Canada will be approved by national accrediting agencies. Only accredited schools are fully qualified to help you learn to be a certified medical technologist.

Medical technology schools can teach you all of the skills and professional methods used in the laboratory by professionals. You will gain much experience using modern laboratory equipment such as microscopes, cell counters and other lab equipment and learn to identify abnormal cells in tissue samples and blood specimens. You will learn to recognize cancerous cells and to relate your findings to pathologists or other medical professionals. Of course, there is much more to it, and you can request course curriculums from your choice of schools to see what is involved.

Training in medical technology is readily available in hospitals and medical schools, or you can earn an Associate degree (AS) at a community college, vocational or trade school. The AS degree will be the first step that will qualify you to enter a bachelor degree program (BS) to complete your training. To be employed as a medical technologist almost always requires a minimum of a bachelor degree with a major in medical technology or one of the life sciences, as well as certification from a nationally accredited agency, such as American Medical Technologists (AMT).

In short, a community college, hospital or trade school will be a great place to start your education and obtain your AS or even your BS degree in medical technology. You will find trade schools, vocational schools and even some online schools offering good undergraduate programs and excellent entry-level health care training.

If you would like to learn more about gaining an education in medical technology, select a few schools from our website today and request more information to help you decide.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Medical Technology Training, as well as Schools, Colleges, Universities, Online Schools, and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.

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All You Need to Know About Mobile Fluoroscopy

2008-08-12T10:57:00.000+08:00

A mobile fluoroscopy machine refers to equipment that is used with great frequency in the medical field. A mobile fluoroscope is also commonly referred to as a C-Arm or x-ray imagine intensifier. These machines are used to project a "live feed" on a screen by using x-ray images.

There are two basic ways that a fluoroscope can be used: as mobile equipment used commonly in theaters for lectures, or as a fixed piece of machinery that is kept in one particular screening room of a hospital or medical center.

Mobile fluoroscopes are smaller than their fixed counterpart so that they can easily be transported to many different locations. As technology continues to grow, mobile fluoroscopy continues to improve and become more and more powerful.

Mobile fluoroscopes are typically used in hospitals for neurological imaging in theater, endovascular imaging in theater, therapeutic procedures in theater, and orthopedic imaging in theater.

Fixed fluoroscopes are used in most hospitals for many different applications and procedures. Some common situations that might require the use of fixed fluoroscopy are fertility studies, therapeutic studies, endoscopy studies, barium studies, cardiac studies, and angiography studies.

While all of this information proves fluoroscopy's benefits for the medical field, it's equally important to realize how desirable fluoroscopes are to the patients themselves.

Fluoroscopes are very accurate in their readings and also decrease the amount of discomfort that the patient feels during and after a procedure. Using fluoroscopy during various surgical or non-surgical procedures helps to minimize invasiveness.

The use of fluoroscopes has also shown to lead to more cost-effective outpatient care programs in the medical field. Increased cost-effectiveness is just one of the reasons that fluoroscopes are such desired machines in the health and medical fields.

The versatility of fluoroscopes acts as an extreme attractant in the medical field. This one piece of equipment is frequently used during orthopedic, spinal and general surgeries as well as vascular, neurovascular, urological, and cardiac applications. Its versatility is just one more reason that fluoroscopes are being used in the majority of hospitals.

Physicians undoubtedly appreciate the precise and fast information that these pieces of equipment are able to report, while x-ray lab technicians enjoy the simplicity of the machinery and the extensive information that is given.

Since the invention of the fluoroscope in 1955, the technology has continued to grow and improve. The wide variety of benefits that fluoroscopy provides to hospitals speak for themselves: this technology has greatly improved the medical field.

Wendy Moyer is an independent journalist. Ziehm Imaging offers a wide variety of mobile fluoroscopy machines to the medical field - further information can be found on the Ziehm Imaging website.

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Type of Machines - Medical Machines

2008-08-12T10:23:00.000+08:00

Medical labs minimize waste from this practice by making parts interchangeable. For example, only a scalpel blade is tossed, while the handle is kept for a new blade. The remainder of hospital lab equipment is larger machines that do not actually come into contact with body tissue or fluids. One example of an online laboratory instrument used often is called a pipette. If you are looking into purchasing a pipette, keep in mind that efficiency and precision are of extreme importance when using pipettes in a lab. Regular testing and calibration of your instruments is essential to ensure they are performing accurately and to specification. Luckily, with help looking for laboratory equipment online, you are sure to receive the best instruments of all sorts. This includes centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and other devices necessary for the analysis of microbiological agents.

These machines should be cleaned and sterilized, but they do not create any risk of contaminating other samples with re-use. Technology in the medical field is also increasing quickly as the need is also increasing. Recently, some new cases of patience are come outsides. Technology consultants certainly have acquired knowledge about what kind of medical and hospital equipment would be appropriate.

The research section is carried by scientists of the medical field. They research for new problems and crises. Several scientists would be needed to successfully bring a new medical device to fruition: system design experts, risk management experts, and device registration experts. Keep in mind that managers do not have time to round up all the necessary consultants. Doctors only give you ideas of prevention not prevent you from the diseases.

Keep in mind that in medical technology, instruments are very important for big surgery. In big hospital medical instruments are mostly used. Thankfully, online there are some great Ekg Machines, Electrosurgical Units, and Defibrillators. There are great medical devices to be found online as well. If you are looking for laboratory equipment online, you should think about the fact that laboratory rules and state laws strictly govern the handling, storage, and disposal of biological materials. The majority of scalpels, vials, and other tools for taking samples can only be used once, and must be properly disposed of after coming into contact with blood or other bodily fluids.

Also, remember that one-use items are syringes, scalpels, vials, and anything else that cannot be used on more than one person, or even for more than one sample.

While these items are functional after one use, they pose great risk of cross contamination. This could result in tests giving a wrong result, or in the worst scenario, infecting another patient. Some sterilization processes kill about most micro-organisms, but there is always a chance that a re-used item could be contaminated. It is important to consider all of these things when you are buying your laboratory equipment online. Make sure that you research every machine and take care of it after it is in your control.

For more information about Electrosurgical Units or especially about Patient Monitors and even about Exam Tables please review one of these links.

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Laboratory Equipment Financing

2008-07-30T14:46:00.001+08:00

Laboratory equipment plays a vital role in the field of medicine which helps in diagnosing various diseases in the early stage itself. There are various laboratory equipment types which help in dealing with different types of complications. Some of the equipment can be expensive and laboratory equipment financing is the one way to acquire them.

There are various types of laboratory equipment. Analytical instrument is one among them. It is essential for any medical institute. It provides the test results correctly and quickly. Hence it is important for a medical professional to have analytical equipment on his\her own. However it can be expensive and the buyers look for laboratory equipment financing to acquire them.

Evaporators are used in labs to remove fluids and water from the samples. It also helps in long term storage of valuable medicines. Due to their functionality, they cost more. Hence evaporator financing is often desirable.

Microscopes are used to see small objects that are not possible to see with naked eye. There are different varieties of microscopes like optical microscope, electrical microscope and so on. The laboratory microscopes are designed to be strong and versatile than that of ordinary microscope in order to manage wear and tear of multiple users. Due to their specialized nature, they often carry a high price tag. Hence many medical institutes prefer laboratory equipment financing to purchase microscopes.

Autoclave and sterilizer equipment helps to sterilize medical equipment quickly. This is highly useful in case of surgical instruments. It reduces the possibility of germs and infections in the hospitals. They come in different models to suit various options. They are quite pricey and so laboratory equipment financing is the best option to acquire them.

Incubators are essential to assist care for new born babies that do not have adequate immunity. Laboratory incubators manipulate and study microorganisms within a body. They are essential in a medical lab. However they carry high price tag and so seeking laboratory equipment financing is often preferable.

Optical lab equipment is highly required by optometrists and other medical professionals. They use the equipment to create lens and to grind and polish the lens. It is however pricey and so smart buyers seek lab equipment financing to acquire it.

Blood analyzing equipment helps to perform blood tests to detect bacteria, virus, hormone levels and any complications in health etc. It is essential in a medical lab to determine the health of patients in a simple way. A small sample of blood is enough to detect the health issues. Though essential, it can be expensive and require laboratory equipment financing.

There are some genuine financing companies that have vast experience in laboratory equipment leasing. They can understand the need for such equipment and so they grant fast approval to the applicant for the desired amount. A simple application procedure is enough to get sanction for financing.

The genuine financing companies do not require any embarrassing procedure. They offer financial assistance in better terms. Therefore the medical professionals and health care institutes find it wise to approach them for acquiring the essential lab equipment.

Chris Fletcher's page features more about new and used Laboratory Equipment Financing and other finance topics.

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The Basic Requirements Of An Autoclave-Sterilizer

2008-07-23T17:30:00.005+08:00

A very important section of any medical practise or hospital is what is called the Central Sterilization and Supplies Department or CSSD. In the typical CSSD of a hospital, surgical equipments and bandages and supplies are sterilized and cleansed and ready for re-use. The equipment for sterilization is called an autoclave or commonly called a sterilizer.

A medical autoclave is a device that uses steam to sterilize equipment and other objects.

By sterilizing, all bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores are inactivated.

There are chemical and biological indicators that can be used to ensure an autoclave reached the correct temperature for the correct amount of time.

Chemical indicators can be found on medical packaging and autoclave tape, and these change color once the correct conditions have been met. With the change in color, we have indication that the object inside the package, or under the tape, has been autoclaved sufficiently.

Setting the right temperature is very important, because if the autoclave did not reach the right temperature, the spores of certain bacteriium will germinate. Any surgical instrument which is not properly cleansed and sterilized is extremely dangerous to the patient and this is downright disapproved. Stringent control and adherence to best practice is necessary in any CSSD.

Today, more than ever, with the need for the best health and recovery rates, we need autoclaves and sterilizers that are reliable and simple to use.

A basic manual autoclave that can satisfy all of our common sterilization needs and is perfect for multi-doctor practices, clinics or surgery centers, would feature most if not all of the following features:

1. Required to be a closed door active drying system.

2. 15" x 30" chamber accommodates longer instruments or a large number of small instruments.

3. One touch design for simplicity of operation.

4. Automatically fill, sterilize, exhaust and dries at the touch of a button.

As technology improves and autoclaves are specialized equipment, purchasing the autoclave needs a lot of study and research into what you require, the capacity of the autoclave, digital or analog controls, ease of operation and training to be provided by the vendor.

Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner and Webmaster. For more details and information on the various types of autoclaves and sterilizers, visit this free resource "Online Guide - Autoclaves and Sterilizers" at http://autoclaves-sterilizers.online-guides.info

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Melbourne Laboratory Equipment - Essential Items For A Reclusive Industry

2008-07-23T17:02:00.001+08:00

You might not realise that Melbourne has a considerable number of businesses that deal in laboratory equipment. But there are at least 85 such businesses, if Melbourne’s Yellow Pages are anything to go by.

And given the degree of accuracy required in this industry, it’s reassuring to that such a large number of businesses deal in this relatively small sector of the market.

Laboratory equipment tends to fall into the categories storage, instrumentation or workplace safety.

Storage facilities and equipment

Chemicals, tools and a variety of samples need to be stored correctly. Even substances that aren’t dangerous need to be stored in a manner that ensures the safety of staff, and the accuracy of results. Accordingly, storage equipment needs to be able to contain an array of chemicals, without reacting to, or polluting their contents. They also must be able to withstand any corrosive or deforming effects of the contained chemicals.

Instrumentation

Although most people would envision high-tech laboratory equipment, some mechanically or hydraulically assisted, even devices as simple as the humble pair of scissors, forceps, and clamps are essential to the proper operation of an accredited laboratory.

Under the banner of instrumentation, of course comes calibration, which is vital to the accuracy of lab results, and the safety of staff. Calibration is integral to storage, extraction and instrumentation facets of laboratory equipment.

Workplace safety

The potentially toxic gases can be a hazard to laboratory employees. For this reason, fume cupboards, extraction systems and fans are used to remove noxious gases from the workplace. Depending on the gases involved, fume cupboards can either be ducted or ductless.

Also, the use of protective clothing and eyewear is critical.

So what services do Melbourne laboratory equipment businesses perform?

The majority of these businesses deal in the supply, installation and (where required) the calibration of various types of laboratory equipment. Some also rent out surplus equipment.

And for companies that were looking to “start from scratch,” a number of businesses also assist in the design and construction of new laboratories

Conclusion

Melbourne has quite a comprehensive number of businesses that specialise in the area of laboratory equipment. So regardless of what type of equipment you’re looking, you’re sure to find it in Melbourne.

Steve Karagiannis encourages Melbourne laboratories to comply with workplace safety requirements by using appropriate laboratory equipment. Steve also reveals fiendishly clever business growth secrets at his website http://MelbourneBusinessPortal.com where he offers a free 10-day trial.

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Free e-book Cardiac Nursing

2008-07-03T13:25:00.001+08:00

If you are a dietitian or you work in the area of nursing than you should probably get this e-book on Nursing procedures for free thanks to Medical and Nursing Student Guide.

I am sure the respective personal will get a whole new insight on the healthcare profession after reading the book.

The link to the book is two part:

Here is the review of the book:

The newly revised Fourth Edition of this popular and widely used reference is a start-to-finish guide for nearly 400 basic and advanced nursing procedures.

It provides step-by-step instructions for each procedure, explains how to use and troubleshoot equipment or medical lab equipment, and presents key information on rationales, cautions, complications, patient teaching, and documentation.

The user-friendly format includes checklists, quick-scanning tables, logos that flag essential information, and more than 700 illustrations and photographs of medical lab equipment and techniques.

This edition features a brand-new chapter on psychiatric nursing procedures and new entries on prone positioning, surgical site verification, ST segment monitoring, swallowing and aspiration precautions, and bispectral index monitoring (BIS).

RFID Chips Might Cause Medical Lab Equipment to Fail

2008-07-03T10:11:00.001+08:00

Ever heard of RFID usage in Medical Lab Equipment?

According to Wikipedia, Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) provides Automatic Identification of items by using radio frequency signals. After storing a serial number or other identification data on the chip connected to an antenna, user can use a reader to receive radio waves from the chip and convert the signal into digital information, which can be passed over to computers and be used of.

This technology finds its maximum usage in payment systems, access control and asset tracking. For instance, the logistics industry often uses it in making out large cargos.

Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests RFID chips could cause some medical lab equipment or devices to fail when in close contact. It is believed that the waves transmitted by RFID could interfere with certain pacemakers and defibrillators. Result from the study indicates 22 “hazardous” occurence of interference which include ventilators switching off or changing rates, syringe pumps stopping, external pacemakers malfunctioning, and kidney replacement devices shutting down.

Most equipment affected by RFID was within close contact (a foot of the RFID chips).

However RFID technology has strong potential to help healthcare providers that the study’s authors did not recommend removing or banning the RFID technology from hospitals.

The rest of the news can be read here.

RFID Chips Might Cause Medical Lab Equipment to Fail

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Medical Laboratory Equipment

2008-06-23T15:11:00.000+08:00

Medical lab equipment may be the most expensive lab equipment to keep on hand. Laboratory rules and state laws strictly govern the handling, storage, and disposal of biological materials. Most scalpels, vials, and other tools for taking samples can only be used once, and must be properly disposed of after coming into contact with blood or other bodily fluids.

Equipment in a medical lab can be divided into two categories: one-use items, and larger machines. The one-use items are syringes, scalpels, vials, and anything else that cannot be used on more than one person, or even for more than one sample. While these items are functional after one use, they pose great risk of cross-contamination. This could result in tests giving a wrong result, or in the worst scenario, infecting another patient.

While most sterilization processes do kill upwards of 99 percent of micro-organisms, there is always a chance--however slim--that a re-used item could be contaminated. In the interest of malpractice costs and professional ethics, anything that touches a patient will usually be thrown out. Medical labs minimize waste from this practice by making parts interchangeable. For example, only a scalpel blade is tossed, while the handle is kept for a new blade.

The remainder of hospital lab equipment is larger machines that do not actually come into contact with body tissue or fluids. This includes centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and other devices necessary for the analysis of microbiological agents. Machines of this nature must be regularly cleaned and sterilized, but do not pose any risk of contaminating other samples with re-use.

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Medical lab equipment