Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your perspective, there is an increasing trend toward using more plastic medical equipment in healthcare. For medical facilities laboring under escalating costs at every turn and labor shortages, lightweight, cost-effective, and, in many cases disposable, plastic is the golden goose for the challenges keeping administrators up at night.
In the short term, disposable plastic medical equipment may indeed ease burdens on staff and budgets, but is it the best for the long term? Sustainability advocates would answer with a resounding “NO” and answers among healthcare professionals are variable and often dependent on the equipment in question.
Despite the trend toward more plastic in healthcare, stainless steel still plays a leading role in healthcare equipment. And for good reason.
It is unfathomable to imagine some medical equipment constructed of anything other than stainless steel.
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Stainless Steel Medical Equipment Benefits
Stainless steel and chrome medical equipment offers many benefits and may be preferred by healthcare professionals.
Durability: Because the 304 stainless steel used in medical equipment is comprised of 18% chromium, 8% nickel, and a maximum of 0.08% carbon, the material is resistant to fire, corrosion, and rust. Medical equipment constructed of stainless steel is extraordinarily durable and very often has a longer life cycle making it more cost effective in the long term.
Ease of Cleaning: The smooth, non-porous surface of stainless steel makes it easier to clean thoroughly. Without “nooks and crannies” to harbor all manner of pathogens, stainless steel equipment is on the front line of healthcare associated infection (HAI) prevention.
High Heat Tolerance: Some sterilization processes require the use of high heat to comply with federal regulations. Stainless steel can withstand those required temperatures without melting or warping, even through repeated sterilizations.
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Non- Magnetic: Because it is non-magnetic, stainless-steel products are safe for use in magnetic resonance environments. Look for an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) MR Conditional icon comprised of a yellow triangle outlined with a black line and the letters “MR” in the center for equipment with a planned use in radiology departments.
Sustainability: Stainless steel is inherently sustainable as it can be recycled an infinite number of times. Disposition of end-of-life stainless steel medical equipment can be accomplished through recycling programs that can save medical facilities money and in some cases be a means of making money. As a supply chain sustainability bonus, the slag by-product of stainless-steel manufacturing can be used in asphalt for road construction.
While the use of plastic medical equipment and devices has increased, it is important to note that healthcare facilities generally use a combination of plastic and stainless steel. The choice of stainless equipment and devices is often determined by functionality, durability, infection control, safety, and cost. For many healthcare facilities the benefits of stainless steel may outweigh the cost.
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Stainless Steel Medical Equipment by Blickman
Since 1889, Blickman has manufactured a wide array of medical equipment and devices using 304 medical grade stainless steel. Products from Blickman’s comprehensive lines are found in acute care hospitals, surgical centers, and primary care facilities across the United States.
Although not an exhaustive list of every product manufactured by Blickman, here is a look at the wide array of medical equipment categories supported by Blickman’s stainless steel and chrome products.
| Ambulation Devices | Circulator Stations | Hampers | Surgical Utensils |
| Bassinets | Decontamination Stations | IV Stands | Tables |
| Cabinets and Casework | Exam Stools | Mayo Stands | Utility Carts |
| Case Carts | Foot Stools | Scrub Sinks | Warming Cabinets |
| Chairs | Gowning Benches | Solution Stands |
Shop CME for Blickman stainless steel and chrome medical equipment.
Click CHAT to talk with a CME expert about your stainless-steel requirements. As a nationally recognized medical equipment distributor we have built relationships with Blickman as well as many other industry leading manufacturers of medical equipment and devices.
About Blickman: Blickman is a medical equipment manufacturer specializing in stainless steel and chrome products. Using only 304 medical grade stainless steel, Blickman has been supporting acute care hospitals, surgical centers, clinics, and primary care facilities with durable, rust resistant medical equipment since 1889
About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for healthcare equipment, turnkey logistics, and biomedical services, representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With two corporate offices and 35+ service centers, our mission is to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule.
