CME Insider's Blog Posts

When it comes to laboratory safety, two pieces of equipment often come to mind as essential safeguards: fume hoods and biosafety cabinets.

Both are designed to protect lab personnel and the environment from hazardous substances, but they serve different purposes and function in unique ways.

Whether you're a researcher, lab manager, or safety officer, understanding the key differences and similarities between these two is essential for choosing the right equipment to maintain a safe and efficient lab environment.

So, what sets a fume hood apart from a biosafety cabinet? Let’s dive in.

Picture this: a patient in a wheelchair arrives for a checkup. The clinical team needs their weight, but the only available option is a standard standing scale. What should be a simple, routine vital suddenly turns into a stressful scene - staff scrambling to find workarounds, the patient feeling vulnerable or embarrassed, and precious time slipping away.

From patient care and staff workflow to healthcare equipment acquisition, in the world of healthcare, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are almost always top of mind. For many years, the "prime vendor" model has been the gold standard for managing the sometimes-complex acquisition of medical equipment and supplies. The prime vendor relationship is a strategic partnership where a healthcare organization agrees to purchase a significant majority of its healthcare equipment and supplies - often 80% or more - from a single, dedicated distributor.

These days healthcare administrators and decision makers are working to make every dollar count. From managing tight budgets to justifying major capital expenditures, the pressure to be financially prudent is constant. When it comes to purchasing healthcare equipment, the ‘tried and true’ approach can, and often does, overlook a powerful tool that can lead to significant savings: Computer-Aided Design (CAD).

These days it seems we are all seeking workplace equipment that blend aesthetics with optimal performance and durability. In healthcare environments, this challenge is amplified by stringent demands for hygiene and patient well-being. This is where polymers, often overlooked in favor of more "traditional" materials, are revolutionizing the landscape of healthcare equipment and furniture by offering unparalleled advantages to both functionality and the overall design narrative.

For busy healthcare facilities, every piece of equipment, including workstations, has a defined purpose. Workstations are an essential component of a dynamic ecosystem that can directly impact patient care, staff well-being, infection control, and operational efficiency.

While traditional materials like wood and metal have long been the standard for medical furniture, advanced polymers offer superior performance. Metro’s Starsys® system of workstations and healthcare storage solutions is a prime example of how polymer is giving healthcare equipment a boost.

Designed specifically for healthcare facilities, the Metro Starsys mobile and stationary workstation leverages the power of polymer to meet the dynamic challenges of hospital, clinic, and lab environments. In addition to aesthetics, these workstations offer practical advantages that improve workflow, support infection control, and translate into long-term value.

Keep reading for a deeper look into the many benefits of polymer workstations for healthcare facilities.

This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer tax or financial advice. The specifics of Section 179 and its application can vary based on your healthcare organization's unique situation. You should always consult with your tax advisor to determine your eligibility and to ensure you are taking the most strategic approach for your business.

For most healthcare administrators or decision-makers, the primary focus is on offering the highest quality of care to your patients. Higher levels of care can require upgrading and replacing medical equipment and technology. The challenge for administrators, however, is balancing these essential upgrades with budget. Fortunately, the Section 179 tax deduction is a powerful tool that can help healthcare organizations do just that.

With the end of the year approaching, now is the time to understand how this tax incentive can help healthcare facilities acquire the assets they need while significantly reducing their tax burden.

For many ambulatory care teams, keeping patients safe and comfortable during exams and procedures is only half the battle. Caregivers themselves face high rates of musculoskeletal injuries caused by assisting patients onto fixed-height exam tables that do not adjust to meet mobility needs.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers experience work-related musculoskeletal injuries at nearly three times the rate of construction workers.

Using the right exam and procedure room equipment can help reduce the risk of injury to providers and patients. This is where ADA compliant, adjustable exam and procedure chairs make a real difference.

Staying abreast of evolving healthcare equipment regulations is essential if a medical facility wants to remain in compliance and by extension, provide equitable care. The recent updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) related to Medical Diagnostic Equipment (MDE) represent a significant step forward for universal accessibility in healthcare. These changes, enacted by both the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), move accessibility standards for MDE from recommendations to enforceable requirements.

This post will answer the questions:

• Why the Change in ADA Requirements?
• What healthcare facilities are affected by changes to requirements for MDE?
• What are the key changes to ADA requirements for medical diagnostic equipment?
• What does ADA compliant medical equipment look like?
  
• What specific medical equipment is affected by the ADA Requirements?
• Are there steps beyond ADA medical equipment requirements?
  
• How do you move forward with a commitment to inclusive healthcare?