Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Learn The Art Of Making A Pack For Your Surgical Instruments

Surgical packs are very popular amongst surgeons as it includes the necessary items like gauze sponges, sterile drapes that are properly wrapped, the basic instruments, and other similar materials that are usually laid out during surgical procedures on proper fenestrated pans. It is the duty of technicians in hospitals to sterilize and prepare these surgical packs for the E.R and then stock them for future need. The process of sterilization for instruments is very important and has to be done adequately through the use of pressurized steam created in an autoclave, especially if the surgical instruments require sterilization on a low pressure, using plasma or gas sterilization.
Learning how to properly sterilize and pack surgical instruments is really important for the safety of the patient. This is why learning the basic principles that apply in the art of packing instruments should be learned by all doctors and technicians working in hospitals. To start the process you have to first painstakingly clean and then fully dry all the instruments. Then collect all the other materials that you need to add in to your pack. The use of an ultrasonic instrument for cleaning the instruments once you are done washing is preferable. Otherwise you can simply hand wash the instruments using enzymatic solution which is specially designed for cleaning surgical instruments. You should make sure that you properly clean off all rust and debris from the instruments. You have to make sure that the solution you are using for cleaning your instruments is neutral pH otherwise you can end up with stains on your instruments.
Now proceed to lubricating the surgical instruments that need to be lubricated. Again always purchase a lubricant that is specifically designed for this purpose. Give proper time for the instruments to fully dry once you are done lubricating them. You have to make sure that you properly count all the materials and instruments like suture needles, gauze sponges, etc to ensure that you have the count absolutely necessary. This is a very crucial stage because when the pack of instruments is opened, the surgeons count every item before stitching up the patient to make sure that they have not accidentally left any item from the pack inside the surgeon.
When packing some of the instruments it is best that they are packed individually or in small collections using plastic or paper pouch made of the professional usage heat - sealing plastic variety. If you plan on using plasma sterilization on your surgical instruments you should use Mylar or Tyvek pouches or simply purchase a polyester fabric wrap of the nonwoven variety. Some of the packs that you put together would have to be of a larger size according to your surgeon's preferences. If you need to pack a fenestrated pan in your pack of instruments, always make sure that you first place a lint - free towel on to your pan before putting in other instruments or materials. This is how you pack surgical instruments professionally and efficiently. For more further visit Surgical Instruments.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Importance of Timely Maintenance and Repair for Your Laboratory Equipment

The medical equipment you use need to be durable and precise to ensure accurate results and flawless functioning. Timely maintenance and repair for your laboratory equipment is therefore necessary if you want it to function smoothly. Whether in a chemistry or medical lab, devices are subject to wear and tear because of frequent use. To ensure high accuracy of various diagnostic test results, excellent maintenance of medical laboratory equipment is vital.
Keep Medical Equipment Up-to-date with Timely Attention
With increased focus on patient safety in the present day medical scenario, reputable hospitals and lab practices have to concentrate on measures designed to prevent adverse events resulting from medical errors. The maintenance and repair of laboratory devices should by all means be carried out by qualified and adequately trained personnel or technicians. All equipment parts are to be checked and verified, and the faulty components are to be replaced. Repairers can be asked to inform in advance about the malfunction of a particular unit connected to the equipment. All such devices should be checked often and inspection reports submitted to the head of the laboratory or institution.
There are certain medical equipment that requires lubrication and oiling. The oil and liquid used should also be kept in parameters prescribed by manufacturers. If you have the budget for it, you can retain a maintenance staff, but if you find it costly you can opt for trustworthy and dependable third party agencies.
Points to Note when Purchasing Lab Equipment
While purchasing the required laboratory equipment, the first thing one has to make sure is the quality of the equipment. The dealer should also guarantee proper warranty and after sales services in a timely manner. Ideally, go for an established medical equipment supplier with an extensive collection of new and recertified products of well-known brands. Ensure that you are given a good equipment service contract, as well as installation and repair solutions for all laboratory equipment you buy. Another thing you have to be sure of is that your dealer has factory trained technicians with expertise to provide on-the-site service and ensure safe and smooth functioning of the laboratory equipment.
A number of agencies provide economical, customized service contracts, designed to meet your needs on a wide variety of instrumentation.
Whether your laboratory equipment is brand new or recertified, it is necessary that its performance is evaluated frequently and the devices reconditioned promptly. Though modern laboratory devices are designed with sophisticated technology and specifications, proper and timely post-purchase maintenance services is important to ensure their smooth and accurate functioning. The efficient maintenance and revamping services offered by an established laboratory equipment supplier make certain that all apparatus in your facility function well.
Timely maintenance and repair for your laboratory equipment is the best way to make sure that your lab processes are uninterrupted and you benefit from accurate test results.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Pharmacy Jobs - A Top Career in the Healthcare Industry

Pharmacy professionals play an important role in the care of patients and in other areas of the healthcare industry. Pharmacists in the community and hospital setting ensure that patients receive the right medications. They also advise patients regarding medicines, including how to take them, what reactions could happen, and about drug interactions. They are a major resource for medical information in hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, and many other settings.
One major advantage of having a doctor of pharmacy degree (PharmD) is the variety of opportunities that are available. When most people think of the pharmacy profession they think about the community, hospital, or clinic pharmacist. Although community and hospital pharmacies are the top employers, pharmacy jobs or jobs that require a pharmacist's knowledge are available in other areas of healthcare or related industries. The pharmaceutical industry is such an example. Pharmaceutical companies have many jobs that are a close match with PharmD training. Some entry level jobs are available immediately after graduation but many jobs require a fellowship/residency, experience, or additional credentials. Other non-traditional pharmacy jobs include pharmacy consultant, nuclear pharmacy, regulatory jobs at the FDA, and academia. Recently, a new type of pharmacy job called medication therapy management (MTM) pharmacist or personal pharmacist has emerged and is growing. MTM pharmacists provide face-to-face comprehensive medication consultation and bill for their services independent of drug dispensing. Many experts believe that this is the future of the pharmacy profession.
Coupled with the diversity of opportunities, pharmacists also enjoy very high starting salaries compared with most health professions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 Handbook the median salary for pharmacists was $111,570 in 2010. Top earners earned more than $138,620 annually. Pharmacists are one of the highest paid professionals in the healthcare industry.
The job outlook is very favorable for pharmacists. Between 2010 and 2020 the Bureau of Labor projects a 25% growth in the number of pharmacy jobs. This is faster than projected growth for all occupations and is closer to the projected growth in nursing jobs (26%). Factors that may contribute to this future growth include new drug approvals, more insured individuals, aging population, older pharmacists retiring, and a shift in demand for more pharmacists to provide patient counseling services (medication therapy management).
Given the above-mentioned variety of pharmacy jobs, pay, and growth trends, a pharmacist career is very promising. Those who are embarking on a career in the healthcare field should seriously consider pharmacy as an option.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Walk In Clinics Offer Many of the Same Services As Hospitals

With all of the time constraints that the average person faces on a daily basis, it can seem impossible trying to make it to a doctor's appointment on time, let alone scheduling one. Since the average person has numerous obligations and there are only 24 hours in a day; out of which a typical doctor's office is only open for 8 of those hours; there is no wonder why more and more people are opting to be seen and treated at a walk in clinic instead.
These types of facilities not only cater to people with busy schedules, they also are much more affordable than the average hospital. In a day and age where more and more people are losing their jobs, having to work more than one job and are unable to afford medical insurance, going to a walk in clinic for all of your medical needs is a lot more desirable.
Clinics offer many of the services you can get at a hospital. The only difference is you are not paying an astronomical amount of money for testing and treatment; you also are not restricted to being seen between 9-5 when most people are at work. You have more flexibility because many walk in clinics have extended hours that leaves them open well into the evenings for the working folks. Unlike hospitals and their physicians who tend to have hundreds of patients on any particular day, you don't have to wait for an appointment. You can walk into a treatment facility any time you feel the need or have the time. This comes in handy when you are sick, feeling miserable and in need of some medication.
Since you are being seen at a clinic, the fees you incur for a visit are much less expensive than what you are charged at a hospital for the same procedures. One reason for this is the walk in clinic does not have to make up for the huge overhead operating expenses. You don't have to pay a portion of the doctors' salary or contribute towards the price of all the equipment and salaries of their thousands of employees.
As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, more and more people are going to medical clinics instead. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is more comfortable and soothing than a sterile hospital setting. Many people are not fans of having to go to a hospital because they feel put off and intimidated by the buildings and staff. Since smaller medical facilities are much more welcoming, more patients develop lasting relationships with the medical professionals at these facilities.
Studies show that more people tend to be more honest about their medical history with the physicians at the local medical facilities than they are with the doctors at the hospitals. One reason for this may be due to a patient's uneasiness and from hearing about someone else's negative experiences at a hospital. Walk in clinics are much more accessible and affordable to everyone regardless of income and residency.