The medical industry is highly reliant on PVC, which is a synthetic polymer with a unique combination of properties, including chemical resistance, cost-effectiveness, durability, and flexibility. Various flexible and rigid PVC compounds are used in medical products and equipment, playing an important role in patient care, treatment, diagnostics, and more.
Here are some of the ways that rigid PVC compounds are used in the medical sector:
Medical Tubing
Many medical applications require specialised tubing and hoses. These are used for various purposes, including IV lines, catheters, oxygen delivery systems, drainage systems, and more. Catheters, such as central venous catheters, cardiovascular catheters, and urinary catheters, are some of these applications. The flexibility that PVC offers allows for easy insertion, while the smooth surface reduces the risk of irritation.
Blood Bags and IV Bags
PVC is a critical component for manufacturing blood bags and IV bags. The unique properties of PVC allow it to safely store blood plasma and intravenous fluids. PVC is known to prevent contamination and is therefore considered one of the only viable materials for these kinds of devices. It is actually the only material that meets the strict requirements of blood bags, allowing it to store red blood cells for as much as 49 days. This literally makes PVC a life-saving compound.
Medical Gloves
While latex gloves in the medical profession are prevalent, there are many medical professionals and patients who suffer from latex allergies. In such cases, PVC gloves are useful alternatives and can provide hygienic barriers to protect both medical personnel and patients during procedures while preventing them from suffering from latex allergies. PVC gloves are increasingly popular owing to their high chemical resistance and hygienic properties.
Face Masks and Respiratory Equipment
PVC is used for the production of face masks and respiratory equipment, which are essential for devices such as nebulizers and bronchodilators. The nature of PVC ensures that it can form a good and dependable seal around the face and tubing, thereby ensuring an efficient and effective means of delivering respiratory gases and oxygen without leakage.
Diagnostic Equipment
Various types of diagnostic equipment and tools are manufactured from rigid PVC compounds. These include ECG electrodes and other monitoring devices. These life-saving devices are used both in clinics and hospitals to determine whether a patient is in need of additional care. PVC is used for these purposes owing to its affordability and hygienic properties, which allow it to function with flexibility and dependability in sterile environments.
Surgical Drapes and Gowns
In the medical industry, the need for surgical drapes and gowns is ubiquitous. As a result, an affordable and dependable material is required to ensure hygiene standards are maintained. PVC foams are used for the production of surgical drapes and gowns in hospitals and clinics, which provide a barrier to contamination during surgical procedures.
At IPC, we make a variety of PVC compounds, including flexible and rigid PVC compounds used in the medical industry. Contact us today to find out how we can supply your PVC needs.
