Equipment Reuse
Equipment and Supplies
Equipment Contamination
Durable Medical Equipment
Peracetic Acid
Sports Equipment
Medical Waste
Condoms, Female
Sterilization
Recycling
Waste Management
Solid Waste
Septicemia in dialysis patients: incidence, risk factors, and prognosis. (1/158)
BACKGROUND: Infection is second to cardiovascular disease as a cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and septicemia causes a majority of these infectious deaths. To identify patients at high risk and to characterize modifiable risk factors for septicemia, we examined the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis for septicemia in a large, representative group of U.S. dialysis patients. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of incident ESRD patients in the case-mix study of the U.S. Renal Data System with seven years of follow-up from hospitalization and death records. Poisson regression was used to examine independent risk factors for hospital-managed septicemia. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess the independent effect of septicemia on all-cause mortality and on death from septicemia. Separate analyses were performed for patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). RESULTS: Over seven years of follow-up, 11.7% of 4005 HD patients and 9.4% of 913 PD patients had at least one episode of septicemia. Older age and diabetes were independent risk factors for septicemia in all patients. Among HD patients, low serum albumin, temporary vascular access, and dialyzer reuse were also associated with increased risk. Among PD patients, white race and having no health insurance at dialysis initiation were also risk factors. Patients with septicemia had twice the risk of death from any cause and a fivefold to ninefold increased risk of death from septicemia. CONCLUSIONS: Septicemia, which carries a marked increased risk of death, occurs frequently in patients on PD as well as HD. Early referral to a nephrologist, improving nutrition, and avoiding temporary vascular access may decrease the incidence of septicemia. Further study of how race, insurance status, and dialyzer reuse can contribute to the risk of septicemia among ESRD patients is indicated. (+info)Distortion of metallic orthodontic brackets after clinical use and debond by two methods. (2/158)
The objective of this paper was to compare distortion of the tie wings and bases of metallic orthodontic brackets following clinical use and after debond by either of two methods, and took the form of a prospective random control trial. Five-hundred-and-seven brackets were debonded using either bracket removing pliers or a lift off debonding instrument (LODI). By a system of random allocation contralateral opposing quadrants were debonded with a 0.019 x 0.025-inch archwire either in place or removed. After debond brackets were tested for slot closure by the fit of rectangular test wires from 0.016 x 0.022 to 0.021 x 0.025 inch in size. The LODI produced few slot closures sufficient to affect the fit of all but the largest test wire. Bracket removing pliers used after removal of the archwire produced significantly greater numbers of distorted brackets in response to testing with all but the largest wire. With the 0.021 x 0.025 inch wire in place the presence or absence of the archwire at the time of debond made no difference to the number of slot closures. Ten per cent of the brackets debonded using bracket removing pliers had distorted bases, no base damage was produced by the LODI. The use of bracket removing pliers at debond caused significantly more slot closures than use of the LODI. When bracket removing pliers are used the archwire should be left in place at the time of debond since this reduces the number of distortions. (+info)A medico-legal review of some current UK guidelines in orthodontics: a personal view. (3/158)
This article is a critical analysis from a medico-legal perspective of some current authoritative UK clinical guidelines in orthodontics. Two clinical guidelines have been produced by the Royal College of Surgeons of England and four by the British Orthodontic Society. Each guideline is published with the analysis immediately following it. Following recent UK case law (Bolitho v City & Hackney Health Authority, 1997) which allows the courts to choose between two bodies of responsible expert medical opinion where they feel one opinion is not 'logical', it is likely that the UK courts will increasingly turn to authoritative clinical guidelines to assist them in judging whether or not an appropriate standard of care has been achieved in medical negligence cases. It is thus important for clinicians to be aware of the recommendations of such guidelines, and if these are not followed the reasons should be discussed with the patient and recorded in the clinical case notes. This article attempts to highlight aspects of the guidelines that have medico-legal implications. (+info)Outpatient CAPD catheter salvage for persistent exit-site/tunnel infection. (4/158)
BACKGROUND: Partial replantation (i.e. replacement of the extraperitoneal portion of the catheter with creation of a new subcutaneous tunnel) has been suggested to avoid catheter removal in patients with persistent exit-site/tunnel infection (ESTI). However, published experience with this technique is limited. METHODS: Partial replantation was performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia for seven patients with persistent ESTI of >3 months duration. All patients resumed CAPD immediately following surgery. RESULTS: One patient had dialysate leakage less than 1 week after surgery that required catheter removal. The other patients had no complications and mean catheter survival following surgery was 7. 7 months (range 3.5-13 months). There was no recurrence of ESTI after surgery, although two patients presented with exit-site infection unrelated to the initial episode (i.e. different organism, long latency). Three other patients presented with episodes of peritonitis unrelated to surgery (i.e. delay >1 month) or ESTI (i.e. different organism). CONCLUSIONS: Partial replantation allows significant prolongation of catheter survival without major complications or interruption of CAPD. This novel procedure appears to be an appropriate alternative to catheter removal for the management of persistent ESTI. However, further studies are needed to prospectively compare partial replantation with catheter removal. (+info)Household members of hepatitis C virus-infected people in Hafizabad, Pakistan: infection by injections from health care providers. (5/158)
Household members of people with hepatitis C are at increased risk of HCV infection. The prevalence and routes of transmission of HCV to household members in Hafizabad, Pakistan were investigated. Household members of 24 index cases were given a risk factor questionnaire, tested for HCV infection, and the risk factors between the infected and uninfected were compared. Twelve of 74 household members (16.2%) were seropositive for HCV antibody. This was 2(1/2) times the rate of infection in the general population (OR = 2.8; P = 0.01). None of the routes of transmission studied within the household was associated with an increased risk. Household members who received more than 4 injections per year were 11.9 times more likely to be infected than those who had not (P = 0.016). In Hafizabad, the greatest risk for HCV infection to household members of infected people is injections given by health-care workers rather than household contact with infected persons. (+info)Safety of immunization injections in Africa: not simply a problem of logistics. (6/158)
In 1995, the WHO Regional Office for Africa launched a logistics project to address the four main areas of immunization logistics: the cold chain, transport, vaccine supply and quality, and the safety of injections in the countries of the region. The impact of this logistic approach on immunization injection safety was evaluated through surveys of injection procedures and an analysis of the injection materials (e.g. sterilizable or disposable syringes) chosen by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and those actually seen to be used. Re-use of injection materials without sterilization, accidental needle-stick injuries among health care workers, and injection-related abscesses in patients were common in countries in the WHO African Region. Few health centres used time-steam saturation-temperature (TST) indicators to check the quality of sterilization and, in many centres, the injection equipment was boiled instead of being steam sterilized. Facilities for the proper disposal of used materials were rarely present. Although the official EPI choice was to use sterilizable equipment, use of a combination of sterilizable and disposable equipment was observed in the field. Unsafe injection practices in these countries were generally due to a failure to integrate nursing practices and public awareness with injection safety issues, and an absence of the influence of EPI managers on health care service delivery. Holistic rather than logistic approaches should be adopted to achieve safe injections in immunization, in the broader context of promoting safe vaccines and safety of all injections. (+info)An outbreak of hepatitis B associated with reusable subdermal electroencephalogram electrodes. Hepatitis B Outbreak Investigation Team. (7/158)
BACKGROUND: In early 1996 an outbreak of hepatitis B was detected among patients who attended an electroencephalogram (EEG) clinic in Toronto operated by a neurologist. In this article we report the results of an investigation conducted to determine the extent and source of the outbreak. METHODS: Notifications were sent to 18 567 patients who had attended any of 6 EEG clinics operated by the neurologist between 1990 and 1996 asking them to see their physician to be tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; 2957 envelopes were returned. Of the remaining 15 610 patients, results of laboratory tests were available for 10 244 (65.6%). A detailed follow-up of patients with newly acquired hepatitis B and those with chronic infection (carriers) was conducted. Viral DNA sequencing was used to compare strains of available HBV isolates. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were identified in whom hepatitis B developed between 1991 and 1996; all of them had had at least one EEG performed in which reusable subdermal electrodes had been used. No cases were detected among patients who participated only in sleep studies, for which disk electrodes had been used. The peak rate of HBV infection (18.2 cases per 1000 person-EEGs) occurred in 1995. One technician performed all of the EEGs at the clinics and was found to be positive for hepatitis B e antigen. DNA sequencing confirmed that the virus isolated from the technician was identical to the virus isolated in 4 cases of hepatitis B tested. Infection control procedures were found to be inadequate. INTERPRETATION: The hepatitis B outbreak was a result of a common source of infection, the technologist, and inadequate infection control practices. Reusable subdermal EEG electrodes were the likely vehicles of transmission. Health care workers should follow recommended infection control practices and be vaccinated against hepatitis B. (+info)Biological tissue adhesive for multiple use in the accident and emergency department. (8/158)
OBJECTIVE: To assess the strength of the glue and microbial contamination over 28 days from opening a vial of tissue adhesive in the accident and emergency setting, and to quantify cost savings of repeated use of the vials. METHOD: (1) Strips of reinforced nylon and a specially constructed piece of apparatus designed to measure the force at which the glue gave way were used to measure the strength of the tissue adhesive at various times after the glue was opened to assess if the glue strength deteriorated over time. (2) Microbial contamination of the glue was assessed. RESULTS: There was no deterioration in the glue strength over time. There was no evidence of microbial contamination of the glue. CONCLUSION: Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive can safely be reused for a period of 28 days after opening with no risk of degradation of glue strength or contamination with micro-organisms. In our department this represents a potential saving of l5400 per year. (+info)I cannot provide a medical definition for "equipment reuse" as it is not a term that is commonly used in the medical field. However, I can give you some general information about equipment reuse in healthcare settings.
Equipment reuse refers to the practice of using previously owned or disposable medical equipment and supplies multiple times after they have been sterilized or disinfected according to established protocols. This practice is often adopted by healthcare facilities as a way to reduce costs, conserve resources, and minimize waste.
Examples of medical equipment that may be reused include anesthesia breathing circuits, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and electronic thermometers. It's important to note that any reprocessed or reused medical equipment must undergo strict cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers.
Reusing medical equipment can have benefits such as reducing costs and waste, but it also carries risks if not done properly. Proper training and adherence to established protocols are crucial to ensuring that reused equipment is safe for use.
Disposable equipment in a medical context refers to items that are designed to be used once and then discarded. These items are often patient-care products that come into contact with patients or bodily fluids, and are meant to help reduce the risk of infection transmission. Examples of disposable medical equipment include gloves, gowns, face masks, syringes, and bandages.
Disposable equipment is intended for single use only and should not be reused or cleaned for reuse. This helps ensure that the equipment remains sterile and free from potential contaminants that could cause harm to patients or healthcare workers. Proper disposal of these items is also important to prevent the spread of infection and maintain a safe and clean environment.
Hospital equipment and supplies refer to the physical resources used in a hospital setting to provide patient care and treatment. This includes both reusable and disposable medical devices and items used for diagnostic, therapeutic, monitoring, or supportive purposes. Examples of hospital equipment include but are not limited to:
1. Medical beds and mattresses
2. Wheelchairs and stretchers
3. Infusion pumps and syringe drivers
4. Defibrillators and ECG machines
5. Anesthesia machines and ventilators
6. Operating room tables and lights
7. X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines
8. Ultrasound machines and other imaging devices
9. Laboratory equipment for testing and analysis
Hospital supplies include items used in the delivery of patient care, such as:
1. Syringes, needles, and IV catheters
2. Bandages, dressings, and wound care products
3. Gloves, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE)
4. Sterile surgical instruments and sutures
5. Incontinence pads and briefs
6. Nutritional supplements and feeding tubes
7. Medications and medication administration supplies
8. Disinfectants, cleaning agents, and sterilization equipment.
Proper management of hospital equipment and supplies is essential for ensuring patient safety, providing high-quality care, and controlling healthcare costs.
'Equipment and Supplies' is a term used in the medical field to refer to the physical items and materials needed for medical care, treatment, and procedures. These can include a wide range of items, such as:
* Medical equipment: This includes devices and machines used for diagnostic, monitoring, or therapeutic purposes, such as stethoscopes, blood pressure monitors, EKG machines, ventilators, and infusion pumps.
* Medical supplies: These are consumable items that are used once and then discarded, such as syringes, needles, bandages, gowns, gloves, and face masks.
* Furniture and fixtures: This includes items such as hospital beds, examination tables, chairs, and cabinets that are used to create a functional medical space.
Having the right equipment and supplies is essential for providing safe and effective medical care. The specific items needed will depend on the type of medical practice or facility, as well as the needs of individual patients.
Equipment contamination in a medical context refers to the presence of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, on the surfaces of medical equipment or devices. This can occur during use, storage, or transportation of the equipment and can lead to the transmission of infections to patients, healthcare workers, or other individuals who come into contact with the contaminated equipment.
Equipment contamination can occur through various routes, including contact with contaminated body fluids, airborne particles, or environmental surfaces. To prevent equipment contamination and the resulting infection transmission, it is essential to follow strict infection control practices, such as regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper handling and storage of medical devices.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is defined in the medical field as medical equipment that is:
1. Durable: able to withstand repeated use.
2. Primarily and customarily used for a medical purpose: intended to be used for a medical reason and not for comfort or convenience.
3. Generally not useful to a person in the absence of an illness or injury: not typically used by people who are healthy.
4. Prescribed by a physician: recommended by a doctor to treat a specific medical condition or illness.
Examples of DME include wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, and oxygen concentrators. These items are designed to assist individuals with injuries or chronic conditions in performing activities of daily living and improving their quality of life. DME is typically covered by health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, with a doctor's prescription.
Peracetic acid (PAA) is not a medical term per se, but it is widely used in the medical field as a disinfectant and sterilant. Medically, it's often used for high-level disinfection of medical devices and equipment, especially those that are heat-sensitive or cannot be sterilized using traditional methods like steam sterilization.
Peracetic acid is an organic compound with the formula CH3CO3H. It's a colorless liquid with a pungent, acrid smell, similar to that of acetic acid (vinegar). In solution, it's a strong oxidizing agent and can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
It's important to note that peracetic acid should be used with caution due to its potential irritant effects on the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Proper handling and use according to manufacturer instructions are essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Equipment safety in a medical context refers to the measures taken to ensure that medical equipment is free from potential harm or risks to patients, healthcare providers, and others who may come into contact with the equipment. This includes:
1. Designing and manufacturing the equipment to meet safety standards and regulations.
2. Properly maintaining and inspecting the equipment to ensure it remains safe over time.
3. Providing proper training for healthcare providers on how to use the equipment safely.
4. Implementing safeguards, such as alarms and warnings, to alert users of potential hazards.
5. Conducting regular risk assessments to identify and address any potential safety concerns.
6. Reporting and investigating any incidents or accidents involving the equipment to determine their cause and prevent future occurrences.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Sports Equipment" is not a term that typically has a medical definition. It generally refers to the physical items or gear used in sports and athletic activities, such as balls, bats, helmets, protective pads, etc. If you're looking for a term related to sports that has a medical definition, I'd be happy to help with that!
Medical waste, also known as healthcare waste, is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as any waste generated within the healthcare system that may pose a risk to human health and the environment. This includes waste produced by hospitals, clinics, laboratories, research centers, and other healthcare-related facilities, as well as waste generated by individuals during the course of receiving medical treatment at home.
Medical waste can take many forms, including sharps (such as needles, syringes, and scalpels), infectious waste (such as used bandages, gloves, and surgical instruments), pharmaceutical waste (such as expired or unused medications), chemical waste (such as disinfectants and solvents), and radioactive waste (such as materials used in medical imaging and cancer treatments). Proper management of medical waste is essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, protect healthcare workers from injury and infection, and minimize the environmental impact of these wastes.
A syringe is a medical device used to administer or withdraw fluids, typically liquids or gases. It consists of a narrow tube, usually made of plastic or glass, connected to a handle that contains a plunger. The plunger is used to draw fluid into the tube by creating a vacuum, and then to expel the fluid when pressure is applied to the plunger. Syringes come in various sizes and are used for a wide range of medical procedures, including injections, wound care, and specimen collection. They are an essential tool in the medical field and are used daily in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Female condoms are a form of barrier contraception that provides protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. They are made of soft, flexible nitrile rubber sheath that is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. The closed end of the sheath covers the cervix, while the open end remains outside the vagina, covering the labia.
The female condom works by providing a physical barrier that prevents semen from entering the vagina and coming into contact with the cervix and internal reproductive organs. This helps to prevent pregnancy and also reduces the risk of STI transmission by preventing direct genital-to-genital contact.
Female condoms are an important option for individuals who cannot or do not wish to use male condoms, as they offer similar protection against STIs and pregnancy. They can be inserted up to eight hours before sexual intercourse, providing greater spontaneity and convenience compared to male condoms. Additionally, female condoms may be used during anal sex to reduce the risk of STI transmission.
It is important to note that female condoms should not be used in conjunction with male condoms, as this can increase friction and cause either condom to break or slip off. Proper use and handling of female condoms are essential for ensuring their effectiveness and preventing accidental pregnancy or STI transmission.
In medical terms, lubrication refers to the application of a slippery substance or fluid to reduce friction and facilitate smooth movement between two surfaces. This is particularly relevant in the context of human anatomy, where lubrication plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. For instance, the mucous membranes that line body cavities such as the mouth, vagina, and rectum secrete fluids to provide lubrication for easy movement of tissues and foreign substances (like food or during sexual intercourse). Similarly, synovial fluid, a viscous substance found in joints, provides lubrication that enables smooth articulation between bones. Artificial lubricants may also be used in medical procedures to facilitate the insertion and movement of medical devices such as catheters or endoscopes.
Equipment design, in the medical context, refers to the process of creating and developing medical equipment and devices, such as surgical instruments, diagnostic machines, or assistive technologies. This process involves several stages, including:
1. Identifying user needs and requirements
2. Concept development and brainstorming
3. Prototyping and testing
4. Design for manufacturing and assembly
5. Safety and regulatory compliance
6. Verification and validation
7. Training and support
The goal of equipment design is to create safe, effective, and efficient medical devices that meet the needs of healthcare providers and patients while complying with relevant regulations and standards. The design process typically involves a multidisciplinary team of engineers, clinicians, designers, and researchers who work together to develop innovative solutions that improve patient care and outcomes.
Sterilization, in a medical context, refers to the process of eliminating or removing all forms of microbial life, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores, and any other biological agents from a surface, object, or environment. This is typically achieved through various methods such as heat (using autoclaves), chemical processes, irradiation, or filtration.
In addition, sterilization can also refer to the surgical procedure that renders individuals unable to reproduce. This is often referred to as "permanent contraception" and can be performed through various methods such as vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women. It's important to note that these procedures are typically permanent and not easily reversible.
"Recycling" is not a term used in medicine. It generally refers to the process of converting waste materials into reusable products, but it does not have a specific medical definition. If you have any questions related to health or medicine, I'd be happy to help with those!
I'm happy to help, but I must clarify that I can't provide a "medical definition" of waste management since it is not a medical term per se. Waste management is a broader environmental and public health issue. However, I can offer a definition related to healthcare facilities:
Waste management in the context of healthcare facilities refers to the practices, processes, and systems used to collect, transport, treat, dispose, recycle, or reuse waste materials generated from healthcare activities. This includes various types of waste such as hazardous (e.g., infectious, chemical, pharmaceutical), non-hazardous, and radioactive waste. Proper management is crucial to prevent infection, protect the environment, conserve resources, and ensure occupational safety for healthcare workers and the public.
In the context of public health and medicine, "solid waste" is typically defined as any garbage or refuse material that is solid or semi-solid in nature, and is disposed of because it has served its intended purpose or is no longer wanted. This can include a wide range of materials, such as:
* Household trash, including food waste, paper products, plastics, and metals
* Construction and demolition debris, such as concrete, wood, and brick
* Industrial waste, such as manufacturing byproducts and contaminated soil or water
* Medical waste, such as used needles, bandages, and other infectious materials
Improper disposal of solid waste can lead to a range of health and environmental problems, including the spread of disease, contamination of water supplies, and injury or death of wildlife. As such, it is important for individuals, communities, and governments to manage solid waste in a safe and responsible manner.