Different types of Hospital Equipment used in Medical Industry

Every day, there is a growing need for medical equipment and supplies. Medical equipment and devices have different categories, but the key ones include electronic, diagnostic, surgical, storage and transport, durable medical equipment (DME), and acute care.

Medical or hospital equipment is intended to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of patients in several fields of healthcare. The development of new advanced medical technology allows patients to heal more quickly. Hospital equipment often exists in the following basic forms:

• Electronic Medical Equipment

Body functions can be monitored and recorded using electronic equipment. Electronic medical equipment is available in various forms, such as heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, pacemakers, ultrasounds, etc.

• Diagnostic Equipment

Diagnostic equipment or instruments that are used to identify, measure, or check for health conditions.  A huge variety of diagnostic equipment is readily available in the market, e.g., Thermometers, Sphygmomanometer, Stethoscopes, X-Ray machines, and MRI machines.

• Surgical Instruments

Accuracy, consistency, and high-quality surgical instruments are essential in any surgery. There
are many different surgical instruments, and they can be divided as

1. Cutting instruments
2. Grasping or holding instruments
3. Haemostatic forceps
4. Retractors
5. Clamps and distractors
6. Accessories and implants

Commonly used surgical equipment and instruments include: Surgical Tables, Utility Tables, Instrument Tables etc.

• Storage and Transport

This equipment is used for transferring and storing medical supplies. Various medical supplies are delivered to patients and medical practitioners using this equipment for various purposes. Case carts, storage carts, and utility carts are some of the most used types of storage and transportation equipment.

• Biomedical Equipment

Biomedical test equipment in hospitals is used to determine whether various medical equipment has an exact measure flow that is irreplaceable. These analysis methods have been utilized to precisely monitor oxygen, air, and nitrous oxide pressure and flow for oxygen concentrators, ventilator testing, and anesthetic gas delivery devices.

• Acute Care

Hospitals and clinics employ a variety of supplies and equipment. This equipment and supplies are used in daily patient care and must be used by a medical practitioner.

• Procedural Medical Equipment

Any medical procedure uses this equipment, which includes several different components. It is used to facilitate and make processes easier and more efficient. e.g., Forceps, Gloves, Operating Scissors, Headlights, etc.

• Durable Medical Equipment

Durable medical equipment includes wheelchairs, raised toilet seats, commodes, walkers, and power-operated vehicles that enhance patient’s quality of life. Iron lungs, oxygen tents, nebulizers, catheters, and hospital beds are also included. Long-lasting devices that can keep patients safe from harm are known as durable medical equipment.

Any equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to individuals with certain diseases or illnesses is considered durable medical equipment (DME). DMEs include reusable medical devices used at home with a doctor’s advice.

The following are some examples of durable medical equipment and their intended uses:

• Suction pump: This device is used for wound drainage during and following surgical procedures to remove body fluids.
• Hospital beds: One of the fundamental elements of every medical setup is Hospital beds. They are used for various medical procedures, such as moving patients from one location to another and performing surgeries.
• Infusion pumps: This DME provides measured and regulated amounts of vital fluids, including drugs and vital nutrients, to the patient’s body.
• Nebulize: Patients are given medication with this equipment in the form of a mist that can be inhaled. Patients with respiratory disorders typically use Nebulizers.
• Traction equipment: This apparatus is used to apply pressure to a specific area of the bones or joints. Traction is used to repair bone abnormalities, realign bone fractures, and loosen up tight joints, muscles, and tendons.
• Crutch: People who cannot walk, either permanently or temporarily, use it as a support.
• Walkers: Seniors and adults with disabilities who need strong support and stability to keep their balance when walking use this DME.
• Wheelchair: This is used by those who struggle to walk independently or to move patients.
• Walking Stick: It is a stick that serves as a tool for support. It helps by shifting weight away from the injured leg and enhancing stability.

As medical technology advances, more medical equipment will emerge. Patients can anticipate
great medical care and diagnosis using cutting-edge medical technologies.