Most people – even the healthiest among us – have been inside a pharmacy or doctor’s private practice, and perhaps walked through the passages of a clinic or hospital. What do these places have in common? Well, the most obvious fact is that they each form part of the healthcare system. Another, less obvious fact is that a visit to any of the above-mentioned environments will involve sightings of different products made from PVC in healthcare. In this blog, we zoom into the importance of PVC compounds for healthcare in the modern world. You’ll be surprised – it’s everywhere!
Why Is PVC So Popular In The Medical World?
Over the last six decades, the use of PVC in healthcare has changed things for the better in many ways. This is because it is a diverse material, meaning it can be utilised for a multitude of practices and procedures. PVC is also easy to clean and sterilise, making it a hygiene necessity. Here are some examples of PVC being used in the healthcare sector.
PVC Product #1: Devices Used For Direct Flow of Medicine or Nourishment
Critical patients may sometimes need to be provided fluids, medication and even nourishment through tubes such as the intravenous tube. The intravenous tube is a common item in the modern healthcare world and is commonly made from flexible PVC.
PVC Product #2: Catheters And More Equipment Used To Collect Human Waste
Another common occurrence is when patients aren’t able to use the toilet while recovering from a medical condition or injury. The use of catheters makes it easier to maintain good hygiene because these devices collect and store human waste so that it can be easily disposed of. They can also be cleaned and sterilised with the right products.
PVC Product #3: Sanitary Surface Coverings In Hospitals And Other Medical Facilities
The type of material that is used to cover the walls and floors of healthcare facilities should simplify the creation and maintenance of sterile conditions. PVC provides exactly this. It doesn’t hold onto excessive dirt and a swift wipe with sanitising products does the job.
PVC Product #4: Oxygen Providing Equipment
In some cases, patients need to be provided with oxygen via an Oxygen Mask or even a Nasal Cannula. These products are commonly made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The product is made to be disposable in order for the mask to be used by one patient only. These are ideally manufactured with DOP-free medical grade virgin PVC granules to ensure the best quality for intimate human use.
PVC Product #5: Blood and IV Bags
PVC in healthcare is widely used in blow-mould blood bags and intravenous (IV) solution bags. These critical pieces of medical equipment are used to save lives in medical facilities around the world and depend on having flexible, durable bags to safely store and transport essential fluids such as blood, plasma and medications.
The properties of the flexible PVC compound employed in both blood and IV bag manufacturing allow the bags to retain their shape when filled or empty. This ensures that the bag can be filled and decanted with ease while keeping the contents sterile and secure.
PVC offers the unique properties of being lightweight, highly flexible and strong while resisting contamination.
PVC Product #6: Medical Gloves
Disposable medical gloves are used for various healthcare services, from medical examinations to surgeries, and need to be made from durable materials that are cheap to produce.
Although many disposable medical gloves are made from latex, there is a growing demand for latex-free medical gloves, as many people have latex allergies, which can pose a problem in the medical field.
PVC-based medical gloves are capable of providing a durable protective barrier to protect medical workers and patients from cross-contamination. They are easy to produce and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for medical facilities worldwide.
PVC Product #7: Privacy Screens and Medical Curtains
In hospitals and clinics, there is a demand for privacy curtains and partition screens to protect the dignity of patients during their stays in medical facilities, as well as to reduce the possibility of airborne contaminants passing between different sections of the ward.
When hospitals and clinics use PVC screens, they can be assured of better hygiene because these screens are easy to disinfect and clean. They are also flame-retardant and resist the growth of bacteria. Moreover, PVC screens are long-lasting and highly durable, allowing them to be used and reused over many years.
PVC screens are often a superior alternative to cloth screens, which offer minimal sanitary protection and only provide privacy.
PVC Product #8: Bedpans and Other Medical Containers
Traditionally, bedpans, surgical trays, and other types of medical containers are made from stainless steel. While stainless steel is an effective material for these items, it is somewhat expensive. For this reason, PVC has become recognised as a more cost-effective alternative for these items, as it is just as strong, durable, and hygienic.
The key requirement for these items is that they must be easy to clean to maintain proper hygiene. This means they need to be non-porous and resistant to bacterial growth, which are just a couple of the many benefits of PVC.
Moreover, PVC bedpans, urinals, surgical trays, and other medical containers are extremely lightweight and portable. They are resistant to odours and stains, ensuring a more sanitary medical environment.
There are many more ways to use PVC in healthcare, which we couldn’t get through in just one blog. Just take a look around you. From cars to shoes, PVC compounds are a staple. Contact IPC to learn more about what PVC can do for you.
