Medical plastics are revolutionizing the health care industry. Equipment that has previously been made of steel, ceramic or glass is now being made of this durable, cost-effective material. There are even several patient treatment methods that now involve medical plastic. Let's learn more about medical grade plastics and the incredible advantages they offer the industry.
What Is Medical Grade Plastic?
The term "medical grade" means that the products, whatever they may be, come from a seller who operates under a physician's license. In the case of a medical plastics manufacturer, this means a medical director is present to supervise and regulate the materials used to fabricate the equipment.
Medical plastic itself is designed to be temperature, chemical and corrosion resistant. That way, it can handle frequent sterilization cycles and any other medical or bodily fluids it comes into contact with. Medical grade polypropylene and medical grade polycarbonate are two common polymers used in several applications, from MRI casings to surgical tools.
With a better understanding of medical grade plastics in mind, let's explore a few advantages they have to offer the health care industry.
1. Versatility
Medical plastic has a great deal of applications in health care, from the obvious to the unexpected. Disposable medical products like bed pans, inhalation masks and IV tubes have shifted from other materials to plastic in recent decades. Today, plastic is used in pill casings and several kinds of internal implants, from catheters to joint replacements. Most of what you see in a modern hospital room is made of some form of plastic.
2. Easy Sterilization
Medical equipment like surgical tools are ideal for one-time use when made of medical plastic. The spread of dangerous infections and diseases can be prevented by simply disposing of single-use tools after a procedure is finished. However, there are also special plastics used in medical devices with antimicrobial surfaces. Such surfaces are highly effective at both repelling and killing dangerous bacteria, even if they aren't regularly sterilized.
3. Greater Safety
Since medical plastic is shatter-proof and non-permeable, it is a great solution for safely transporting biohazardous materials. The safe removal of medical waste helps prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens. Medical plastic is also used in tamper-proof caps, ensuring that no foul play is present in a patient's pharmaceuticals.
4. Improved Quality Of Life
Medical grade plastics have also helped to make the lives of amputees more comfortable. Since plastic can be highly personalized thanks to injection molding, a patient can receive a lightweight, durable prosthetic. Many plastics are also hypoallergenic, so patients with allergies to traditional medical materials like latex are at a lower risk of reaction during treatment.
5. Cost-Effective
The wide range of applications, low manufacturing costs and longevity of medical plastic makes it a sought-after investment in modern medicine. Metal and glass equipment is prone to corrosion and shattering, but plastic is resistant to both. Also, while some plastic tools are made for single-use disposal, other equipment is designed to handle repeated sterilizations and last a great deal longer.
6. Environmentally Friendly
Plastics are recyclable, making them one of the most environmentally sustainable options for medical equipment. It is much easier for health care providers to meet their demanding medical applications and remain environmentally responsible thanks to medical grade plastics.
7. Potential Of Future Innovations
The medical plastic innovations currently being researched could provide even greater benefits to the health care industry. 3D printing makes it much easier to create inexpensive, comfortable prosthetics. Researchers are currently testing an injectable plastic that could help gently staunch bleeding due to internal trauma. The possibilities are many and seemingly endless.
Find More Medical Plastic Solutions With A&C Plastics
The uses and advantages of medical grade plastics don't stop here. Contact us to learn more about medical grade polymers and any of our other plastic products.
