What are the major benefits or characteristics of mono sutures that make this a good option for many soft tissue and ophthalmic procedures?

Various types of mono sutures provide different durations of wound support through more gradual or more rapid tensile strength reduction. This is important in many types of plastic surgery or ophthalmic surgical procedures where stress on the wound is limited and there is not the need for extended wound support. However, choosing a slower reduction in tensile strength in these sutures can provide extended wound support while still using an absorbable suture.

The absorption is also more uniform and predictable than with plain gut or even chromic gut absorbable suture material. The mono filament is highly uniform, providing a more completely accurate absorption rate as well as very smooth passage through tissue. With the smooth surface there is little irritation, lower amounts of swelling and less trauma to the surrounding tissue. In addition non-wicking material helps to further minimize the risk of any bacterial migration along the suture, helping to reduce the risk of inflammation and discomfort for the patient.

Monofilament sutures have good levels of elasticity and suppleness, ensuring that the sutures will conform to the surface of the site and not twist or crimp during the procedure. This not only provides less damage to the tissue but it also improves the strength of the suture and the subsequent wound support.

What precut lengths and needled options are available in mono sutures?

Various options exist through different medical supply companies with regards to the specific needles, needle sizes, size of mono sutures and the length options for the suture material. Needles can range from taper points to reverse cutting in different sizes and diameters. The precut length is often available in 75cm with sizes from 4-0 to 1 that correspond with the respective needle size and diameter. 

There is also the option to choose monofilament sutures available in suture cassettes on ligating reels. These options can vary from 25 to 50 meters in length with sizes between 4-0 through to 2. For busy hospitals and operating rooms this is often the most economical option. Smaller facilities may find that the prepackaged needles and mono sutures are easier to store, provide greater options for having different equipment available and, with limited or infrequent use, can help to save costs of medical supplies that are not used before the expiration date.

What options are available in mono sutures when it comes to packaging, dye and other features?

As with virtually all types of sutures and surgical supplies and equipment different companies can offer different options with regards to mono sutures. One very popular consideration is the color or dye of the monofilament sutures. There are companies that offer black, violet, undyed or milk white, or other colors as offered by the individual manufacturer. Using the dyed color options provides contrast and ease of visualization of the suture material at all times.

What types of needles are available for use with fast sutures that come needled?

The nature of the types of procedures that are appropriate for fast sutures limits the specific needle shapes and types that are available. There are different sized reverse cutting and precision point needles that range from 10.5 mm 3/8 circles through to the larger 24.0 mm 3/8 circle. Using care in removing the needle and fast sutures from the packaging is important, particularly to avoid crimping the suture which can cause fraying and irregular surface areas on the suture during use.

It is important for doctors to avoid attempting to reshape needles prior to use. This can actually promote bending or breaking of the needle during use. Broken or irregularly bent needles will cause increased tissue damage and may prove a greater risk to medical staff for accidental needle sticks.

What is the proper way to store fast sutures, is there any temperature or lighting parameters to consider?

As with all surgical equipment sutures that are prepackaged and pre-needled are very easy to store. They come packed and pre-sterilized with ethylene oxide or suitable substitute sterilizing agent and are carefully packaged to eliminate any exposure to sun, air or contaminants. Store the box of prepackaged fast sutures in a dry area that is away from any direct heat source. This can include heat from sunlight through windows, heating vents, direct light sources, ventilation of equipment or near working medical or laboratory equipment. Ideally the individual packages as well as the storage box need to be kept at a temperature of less than 25 degrees Celsius.

It is also important to carefully check the expiration date on the box and the individual packaging of all sutures. Packages that have expired should not be used as there is a risk of the seal of the package opening and the product being contaminated. In addition any packages that have loose or broken seals, punctures or perforations should be discarded and not used. It is not possible to sterile the fast suture once it has been removed from the package.

What if any are the adverse effects associated with the use of fast sutures in patients for plastic surgery or soft tissue ligation?

As with any type of suture material these sutures have been designed to produce a minimal foreign body response and minimal reaction by the surrounding tissue. However, some patients, particularly those with slow wound healing may have difficulty with preventing tearing or stretching of the incision site since the fast sutures begin to absorb rapidly. This may not provide enough support for the wound to heal on its own prior to the tensile strength of the suture decreasing.

General patients that have current infections, autoimmune disorders, elderly patients, diabetics and people that are malnourished or suffering from any type of chronic or pervasive illness or injury should not be treated using these sutures. In areas where the sutures may have limited or poor blood supply the absorption may be delayed, increasing the risk of possible irritation at the site.

How absorbable are chromic sutures and what is their rate of absorption compared to plain gut sutures?
There are different types of chromic gut and different manufacturers have different timelines for rates of absorption and for retention or loss of tensile strength. In most cases chromic sutures can resist absorption for up to two to three months in the body, but there will be a reduction in tensile strength over this time period.  Other factors with regards to the absorption of the sutures include the actual purity of the collagen which has the greatest impact on the in vivo tensile strength and durability.

What is chromic salt and how does it affect the plain gut to increase absorption time in the body?

Chromic salt has a low oxidation state and a low level of reactivity to other types of compounds and elements. It is found in solution and used in a variety of different industrial uses. Plain cut, which is collagen, is submersed in a solution of chromic salt and then spun, allowing a uniform coated strand of chromic gut. This coating of chromic salt acts as a barrier that slows down the enzymatic action of the body to break down the collagen in chromic sutures over plain gut sutures.

What is the most important factor that will impact the absorption rate and tensile strength decrease of chromic sutures?

No one factor is the key in the rate of absorption of chromic sutures and the change in tensile strength exhibited once implanted. Since the chromic salt helps the gut to resist the enzymes of the body one of the key factors is the specific formulation of the chromic salt solution used. The higher the chromic salt solution, designed as extra chromic, the slower the absorption and the greater the resistance to the enzyme action of the human body. Other factors such as blood flow, infections and even the natural healing rate for an individual can also be important considerations. This is why with any absorbable sutures ranges for absorption rates and decreases in tensile strength are provided rather than absolutes.

Other factors that play a role include the diameter of the suture used, any medications that the patient may be on and the individual's reaction to foreign material in the body. Illnesses, infections in other body tissues and general health may also play a role in the rate of absorption of the chromic sutures.

How is chromic gut sterilized?

Chromic sutures are sterilized using a process that exposes the suture material to gamma irradiation. Gamma irradiation is completed by high-energy photons from a specific source, an isotope, which causes electronic disruptions in the collagen. This, in turn, permanently damages the DNA of any cellular organism that is on the material. Viral or bacterial DNA is destroyed, leaving the chromic gut completely free from any type of material. It is important to note that the gamma irradiation does not leave any residual radioactivity. Gamma irradiation is commonly used in single use types of medical equipment, for biological tissue sterilization and for all types of microbial reduction.

What are three of the most important characteristics to consider in nonabsorbable sutures?

There are several different characteristics that are important to consider when choosing sutures. The first is the durability of the suture itself, some will eventually breakdown and stop providing wound support while others are a more permanent option. The second important characteristic is the ease of use of the suture material and the third is the resistance to infection and the minimal amount of tissue reaction that occurs when the sutures are used.

Can some types of nonabsorbable sutures be broken down by the body over time? Which options provide little or no risk for this to occur?

Not all nonabsorbable sutures will last indefinitely within the human body. Silk, which is considered a nonabsorbable, will typically be fully broken down in the body within approximately two years. This can vary based on the type of tissue the suture is in, blood flow to the area, infections and the reaction of the body to the presence of a foreign body.

The most permanent type of sutures are those made of stainless steel. These sutures will have a consistent tensile strength throughout their implantation in tissue in the human body. Polyblend fibers, which are synthetic, are another highly durable option. These nonabsorbable sutures, like stainless surgical steel, will not be absorbed by the body and there is no evidence that a significant change in tensile strength occurs after the procedure. It is considered to be up to 15 times stronger than steel on a weighted basis and highly resistant to abrasion.

What are the advantages of monofilament nonabsorbable sutures over multifilament options?

Monofilament nonabsorbable sutures are more uniform in shape and diameter and also have a smoother surface than the multifilament options which are braided or twisted. The variation is extremely small but may provide an increased risk of bacterial migration along the suture or in pulling instead of a smooth flow through the tissue during the suturing process. This is a minimal concern in most cases but for specific procedures it may be an important consideration.

What is the biggest difficulty in working with surgical stainless steel nonabsorbable sutures?

Stainless steel sutures are used in a variety of different surgical procedures. It is most commonly seen in areas where wound support is required for extended periods of time in very high stress areas of the body. Thoracic surgery, neurosurgery and for surgical procedures involving orthopedics it is considered the best possible suture.

The stiffness and lack of suppleness of stainless steel sutures make them difficult to work with, especially in limited spaces where the suture material can crimp or twist on itself during the suturing process. There is also the risk that this type of suture may have a reaction in some patients and cannot be used in areas of the body or in patients where there are other metals or alloys present. These can occasionally cause electrolyte reactions in the body when the metals or alloys are in close proximity to each other.

What is the most important consideration when selecting nonabsorbable poly sutures?

As with all types of nonabsorbable sutures one of the most important considerations is the specific suture location and the tension or pressure that may be applied to the suture location during the healing, recovery, rehabilitation and recovery process. Unlike absorbable sutures that will gradually lose their tensile strength and lower there ability to support the wound, poly sutures will remain consistently in place and providing support. In fact studies show that this constant strength retention shows no significant change in wound support indefinitely with in vivo use. The good news is that poly sutures, for all their strength and support, are still suitable for soft tissue ligation and approximation as well. They have good flow through the skin which makes them an excellent choice for delicate plastic surgery demands as well for repair of very challenging parts of the body such as the aorta or in other types of cardiovascular surgery.

What are the specific differences between polyester sutures and polypropylene monofilament sutures?

Polypropylene sutures are a monofilament of polyolefin, which is a synthetic linear. Polypropylene is considered to be a thermoplastic polymer and is very resilient to all types of chemical reactions including reactions with acids and bases that may lead to the degrading of other types of materials. It is considered to be naturally very flexible and, with modern production technology it is absolutely uniform in diameter along the entire suture. The chemical properties and structure of monofilament poly sutures make them incredibly resistant to fraying, an important consideration in suture and wound closure.

Polyester sutures are braided, which means they have added features that are important in specific types of procedures. Like polypropylene the material is very strong and is designed to withstand the pressure of movement around the suture area. It is also nonabsorbable and provides indefinite tensile strength in vivo. The braided structure of this poly suture also provides additional optimal knot security which is essential in wound ligation and approximation. Often polyester sutures are the go to option for attaching prosthetic implants.

What added features to poly sutures offer in general and what is the best packaging option for general use surgical or emergency rooms?

Poly sutures all come with distinctive options in coloring. They can be a bright blue, green or alternate color to stand out for easy poly suture removal. There is typically also the option for more neutral color such as clear or white for stitches that are not going to be removed but rather will remain within the body. Packaging options for the poly sutures are typically of all suture types. There are needled, pre cut and sterile packages of suture available. These are sold by the box, perfect for fast access in emergency rooms or for having just the suture needed for surgical procedures. There is also the option to purchase ligating reels of suture that allows the surgeon or physician to customize the length and diameter of the suture based on the specific procedure requirements.

Are poly suture products appropriate for general soft tissue repair? What specialized types of surgical procedures are they also used for?

Poly suture products are considered to be indicated for use in a wide variety of different surgical procedures. They are ideal for general soft tissue approximation and ligation because of the materials, reduced fraying and resistance to any type of materials. Since it is so strong and durable and causes minimal risk to tissue inflammation is also commonly used in abdominal wall wound repair, particularly with cesarean section procedures, hernia repair and cardiovascular surgery and repair. It is also considered to be the suture of choice for many plastic surgery procedures as well as for surgical procedures involving neurological tissue. There are also indications for use in ophthalmic surgery, making this a very versatile suture.

Since it is available either a blue color that is easy to locate for stitch removal or a clear option that is ideal for stitches that need to remain unseen, the surgeon has several choices in products, uses and options for these sutures.

What are the options of needled packaging with any type of poly suture?

Different suture manufacturers may market different types of needled packaging options with poly sutures. Common options include needles with a taper point, soft cut, reverse cut, and precision point. The size of the needle and the type of needle will determine the size of the suture that comes needled and sterilized within the sealed package. Various companies may offer a range of lengths of the suture or they may have one standardize length that can be modified once the package is opened.
For specialized surgical procedures or for easily customized sutures it is also possible to purchase the poly suture material on ligating reels. This does require needling at the time of use but allows maximum flexibility in needle and suture selection.

Are there any drawbacks or possible disadvantages to the use of poly suture products in general surgical or specialized procedures?

Surgeons that use these suture products can appreciate that there are several advantages to use. It is very durable once in place and is very low in generating any type of reactivity by the surrounding tissue. It is also highly uniform in diameter which is common in monofilament types of sutures. With minimal memory and a high level of resistant to fraying this suture material is considered by many surgeons that specialize in cardiovascular surgery as well as plastic surgery to be the best suture option. Plastic surgeons also prefer this suture since it can be tied with very flat knots, perfect for preventing irritation in sensitive skin areas.

However, because of the nature of the polypropylene structure there is a slightly increased risk of fragility with the suture under some types of procedures. It tends to have less flexibility than nylon sutures and may be more difficult to use because of this slightly increased rigidity.

What are the different options with catgut sutures and which is the best use for each option?

New technology has allowed catgut sutures to become more specialized. Different companies provide different options in catgut sutures that can be used in specialized or general types of surgical procedures. Natural or plain catgut is the traditional option for catgut. It is fully absorbable by the body and comes in a moist suture that is sterilized, needled or on a ligating roll that is not needled.

Chromic gut is similar to natural catgut sutures except the suture has been treated with a chromic salt solution that helps to reduce the rate of degradation or absorption of the product by the body and maintain a more uniform tensile strength for wound healing over longer periods of time. Unlike natural catgut chromic gut has a more standardized rate of absorption and there are few factors that can influence this variable. There is still a minimal reaction of the surrounding tissue to the chromic catgut sutures, making it a good option for many different types of surgical procedures.

Fast absorbing catgut suture are available through some manufacturers. These sutures are designed to be begin to lose tensile strength within a very short time, typically 7 to 10 days after the wound ligation.

How generalized or specialized is the use of catgut sutures in a variety of different medical treatments?

Catgut has historically been used as the major suture product in all types of surgical applications. Newer options for sutures have provided greater options for specialization, even within natural catgut options. Chromic gut is often recommended for very sensitive areas of the body including dental surgery and ophthalmic surgeries. It can also be used in plastic surgery since it is naturally absorbing and does not require stitch removal.

Traditional natural catgut, also known as plain gut, can be used in the same types of procedures as well as in general soft tissue ligation and approximation. It is also commonly used in dental surgery and in veterinary surgery, again with the absorption rather than removal of stitches providing a huge benefit to patients and animals. As there are several factors that can speed up the dissolution of the catgut this type of suture is not recommended in high stress levels of the body such as cardiovascular procedures where long term wound support is essential. Catgut is also not commonly used in neurological procedures.

Are there factors that need to be considered regarding the absorption of catgut sutures in the body?

Catgut, particularly plain gut, has a general range of absorption time by the body that will vary based on the diameter of the suture.  Catgut typically is fully absorbed by the body within 90 days but the actual tensile strength of the suture can begin to decline within one to two weeks, depending on the specific type of catgut used.

Catgut sutures are broken down by the body similar to the breakdown of proteins which occurs through naturally occurring proteolytic enzymes. Some individuals may have a faster breakdown rate than others, which is not possible to detect prior to the sutures being in place. Other factors that can influence breakdown are wound cleaning products, particularly hydrogen peroxide, and the presence of infection which can speed up the breakdown of the catgut as well.

How are silk sutures made and what are the advantages in surgical procedures?

Silk sutures are made from a natural protein fiber that is harvested from the cocoons of a domesticated type of silkworm. This domestic variety is known as the Bombyx mori, which is sometimes know as the mulberry silkworm or incorrectly as the Chinese silkworm. Domestication of this specific type of silkworm allows for the larvae to produce very uniform strands of silk which is essential in use as a suture material. The same species also produces the silk that is woven into fabric or spun into thread and used in the textile industry.

Silk for medical use is sterilized, braided and graded to create different diameters of silk suture from 9-0, the very finest suture, up to the larger size 5 suture material. It can be used in a variety of different surgical procedures including general soft tissue repair as well as the more demanding surgical procedures. It can be used in some aspects of cardiovascular surgery and is also used commonly in dental and plastic surgery where fine, highly tensile sutures are required.

What types or styles of silk sutures are available and how are they packaged?

With the variety of uses of silk sutures there are many different options in styles and types of this type of suture material. Needled, sterilized packaging offers a wide range of needle options for both plastic surgery as well as general and specialized surgical procedures. This packaging option allows surgeons to choose needle size and style, silk suture diameter and length based on the specific surgical procedure.

Other options include purchasing the silk sutures on ligating reels for use with any appropriate needle. For specialized practices or surgical theatres this can be a good option since there will be a variety of different unique procedures. For general practice and emergency rooms the pre needled and sterilized packages can be very effective, highly practical and easy to store and access at any time.

Is it true that silk sutures will eventually breakdown in the body even though they are classified as a nonabsorbable suture? How does that impact tensile strength of the product?

As a natural protein fiber, specifically fibroin, there is a natural breakdown of the silk within the human body. It is important to recognize that this is a very slow process and is not the same type of enzymatic fast breakdown of the protein component as seen with catgut sutures of any type. The specific rate of breakdown or degradation of the silk protein also varies based on individual reactions within the human body. However, the chance of the tensile strength loss being problematic when the correct diameter of silk suture is selected is not considered to be a concern. Silk sutures are routinely used in plastic surgery, dental surgery, and cardiovascular surgery as well as for general wounds and surgical procedures. Silk may also be used in very delicate surgical procedures as with ophthalmic procedures and neurological repair.

What has been the most important advancement in surgical sutures?

There are several advances in surgical sutures that have had a huge impact on wound healing and recovery after surgical procedures. The sterilization processes for the sutures as well the antibacterial coatings used on some products greatly reduce the chance for tissue inflammation or the possibility of infection at the surgical site. Nonabsorbable sutures also provide additional support for wounds that in areas that experience a lot of stress and movement such as the cardiovascular system, joint surgeries and abdominal surgeries. For patients undergoing these procedures the uniform tensile strength of the surgical sutures that provides continued and consistent wound support is a major advancement to promote effective healing without complications.

Why are there so many different types of surgical sutures and is there one product that is considered superior for all types of surgical applications?

While historically there have been few options in surgical sutures, typically plant based suture material gave way to the use of catgut, then silk and eventually synthetics. Each of these materials, with the exception of plant based fibers, are now routinely used in various medical procedures in most hospitals, clinics and medical settings. Typically the more specialized the facility is the greater the range of surgical sutures available. Often the simplest and most versatile types of suture materials are found in less advanced types of settings including hospitals and treatment facilities in lower income areas including developing countries.

Since sutures have been designed to enhance different features for specialized applications, there is really no one best product for all jobs. Typically for most practices a good choice is a suture material that is recommended for general soft tissue ligation and approximation which can include the nonabsorbable poly based sutures as well as the absorbable catguts and synthetics. Nonabsorbable sutures, including prolene, polyester, nylon and silk can be good options for wound closure that requires long term wound support for optimum healing.

Is there an advantage in buying needled surgical sutures over suture on the reel?

In many different practices there are advantages to both the needled surgical sutures that come sterilized and packaged and the option to buy suture on a ligating reel. The obvious benefit to needled and sterilized options is that there is no work required to prepare the equipment and surgical suture material prior to the procedure. The package is simply opened in a sterile environment and following sterile procedures. The surgeon is then able to select the needle style, size and type, the length of suture and the diameter of suture based on the specific protocols for the procedure.

For small surgeries or emergency rooms this is often an ideal time and labor saving options. For specialized surgeons and larger surgical units it may be more cost effective to consider the ligating reels for suture material. This will allow the use of specific amounts of suture material that can be customized for each procedure. Since there is constant use of the suture material there is less chance of issues with keeping the product sterile and using in sterile environments.

What are the broad and general types of sutures?

There are several different types of sutures. The general categories include absorbable, which dissolve or degrade in the body, or nonabsorbable which require removal manually. Within these groups there are many different variations on manufacturing materials, coatings, treatments and styles of sutures. Two common styles include monofilament or single, continuous strands of sutures or braided sutures with are multifilament in design. Some suture types also include twisted, which is another multifilament option.

Choosing one type of suture over another is largely a function of the type of procedure, the potential stress on the wound during healing and the preference of the surgeon or physician within the options available.

What is the importance of tensile strength in selecting a suture types for different surgical procedures?

Tensile strength is the uniform strength that the suture provides in vivo over specific time periods. Wounds may require additional support or continuous support to ensure proper healing without tearing. High tensile strength is commonly seen in both absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures within specified time periods. With absorbable sutures the tensile strength begins to drop off as the protein in the suture is dissolved in the body through hydrolysis or enzyme activity. At this point the suture provides less and less support to the wound, eventually providing no support at all. This time period for decrease in tensile strength can range from a low of 7 to 10 days with full dissolving of the suture usually within a maximum of 70 days. Nonabsorbable suture types, with the exception of silk, tend to maintain their tensile strength indefinitely or until removed.

Why are some surgical suture types a different color than others is there a practical application for this variation in color?

Various surgical suture types have different color options. This is most common in the nonabsorbable varieties but some types of absorbable sutures are also designated by different colors. Generally the absorbable sutures tend to be natural colored or black, which simply makes the stitches easier to see in the wound if used on surface skin. Since these stitches will be dissolved in the body there is no need for specific coloring and it is largely irrelevant to both the physician and the patient, it is more of a personal choice for the surgeon or general practitioner.

Colored surgical sutures are used in nonabsorbable sutures so they can be easily located in the wound for removal after healing. Bright colors such as blue, green and violet that are not going to blend in with the wound or tissue colors ensure that all stitches are removed if they are going to be removed. If the stitches are left in the patient then, in the event of the need for additional surgery, there is still a highly visible record of the surgery and the incision. This allows the surgeon to check the existing surgical site as well as verify wound healing is not an issue with the current health condition. Colors also make different types of sutures very easy to distinguish on equipment trays and in equipment and materials preparation for surgical procedures.

What are seen as the biggest advantages in using absorbable sutures?

Absorbable sutures are used in a wide variety of surgical applications including in cardiovascular surgery, plastic surgery, veterinary surgery and dental surgery. It is also a very popular option for use in general soft tissue repair. The newer types of synthetic absorbables are increasingly popular over catgut since tensile strength and absorption profiles are highly predictable with far fewer concerns for the risk of early degradation of the suture.

The biggest advantage to these sutures is there is not need to remove them after wound healing. The body naturally absorbs the material without the patient needing to return for manual suture removal. In sutures in deeper tissue layers this is important unless continuous wound support is required for extended or indefinite periods of time.

Are there any scarring risks that are present with absorbable sutures that are not as common with nonabsorbable sutures?

Fine skin such as the skin on the face, eyelids, the lips, mucous membranes or the genital areas, particularly with circumcision, can pose an increased risk for scarring at the places where the absorbable sutures enter the skin. This occurs because the body forms a tunnel of skin and fibrous tissue around the suture. When it degrades fully, which can take two months or more, that small skin tunnel can still exist. This will leave the slight dots that can be seen along the edge of a scar. Using a nonabsorbable suture allows the doctor or physician to use a much finer diameter suture material that leaves virtually invisible skin tunnels to maintain the same tensile strength over the wound to ensure correct healing.

In addition it is important to keep in mind that the rate of breakdown of the suture is different when it is in the skin as opposed to on the skin's surface. This can also slightly increase the risk of visible marks from skin tunnels on the skin's surface. Fast absorbing sutures and the new synthetic absorbables are much less prone to this type of scarring than plain catgut.

What factors can cause a more rapid breakdown of absorbable sutures and should these be discussed with patients?

Part of after surgical wound care should include discussing proper techniques for cleaning the surface of the wound and what to watch for that may indicate a problem or concern. Patients need to be aware than absorbable sutures should be carefully cleaned if the absorbable type of suture material is used on the surface layers of skin. The use of hydrogen peroxide, a common choice in many households, can actually lead to the early breakdown and degradation of sutures. Patients need to be given information specifically on the types of antibacterial or wound cleaning solutions to use to limit any possible increase in suture degradation.

Other factors can include abrasions to the surface of the sutures, infection in wound itself that can increase blood flow and enzymatic activity as well as issues with slow wound healing because of other factors such as medications, existing health conditions or re-injury to the wound.

Are there waiting room chairs that are suitable for larger patients, patients with mobility problems or patients with physical impairments?

Bariatric styles of waiting room chairs are ideal for patients that are larger, patients with mobility problems, or patients with physical impairments. This is because these chairs are very sturdy and solid in design allowing patients to use the arms to transfer easily to the chair from assisted mobility devices or when needing a bit more security with movement. Waiting room chairs designed for bariatric patients are also larger and roomier through the seat and back of the chair. This gives patients a sense of comfort and prevents difficulties in pushing up and out of the chairs since there is a space beside the patient for the hands. The arms are also there for added support and lift for patients that prefer this option.

High back waiting room chairs are also often preferred by patients with physical or mobility problems. This is because they do provide more support and a greater ability to use the back of the chair to move forward on the seat for easier transfers. This is much easier than the lower back chairs where the patient would not have support across the shoulders to slide forward in the seat.

For a very natural look to waiting room chairs, what materials are most recommended and how practical are they?

Wood frames and bases on chairs give a very natural look to a waiting room, examination room or consultation room or office. These chairs can be ordered with a range of wood finishes from very light options such as oak through the dark mahoganies. Complimenting the wood finish with a coordinating upholstery color can also add to the warmth of the room. With lighter woods blues, greens, teals, creams and softer tones are a great option. Darker woods can accentuate the deeper colors of the royal blues, forest greens and henna colors.

The wood is treated to be non-porous and resistant to scuffing, scratches and marks. It can be easily cleaned using standard disinfectant and cleaners typically used in medical settings. The mortise and tenon joints are very strong and are also treated to prevent liquid from entering the joint, making cleaning very simple and easy.

What options are there for waiting room chairs that can also be used in medical or patient rooms?

There are a variety of different styles of waiting room chairs that are designed to be multi-functional. Different styles of MRI compatible chairs are perfect for both waiting and reception areas as well as treatment and diagnosis rooms. Since ordering chairs in volume can reduce your overall cost per chair, these dual usage chairs can really add up to significant cost savings. It also helps in creating a very uniform and cohesive look to all the rooms within the facility. These same chairs can also be perfect for use as visitor chairs in patient rooms, very durable, solid yet also stylish in design.

Is it possible to mix and match reception room chairs or is it best to choose one model and style of chair only?

The styles and types of reception room chairs from arms to no arms, wing back chairs to rockers is really a personal decision. Mixing and matching different types of chairs while staying with a uniform color scheme can be a great option to allow your patients to select a chair that is most suitable to their needs. Having bariatric chairs is also an important consideration in every type of medical setting to provide patient comfort and safety in all rooms in the facility.

What are the possible colors of upholstery for reception room chairs and are there different types of frames as well?
Reception room chairs from different companies and manufacturers may offer a range of different colors and materials for both the upholstery and the frame. Most will have wood, metal or polyurethane materials in the frame, while some may have a combination. Typically the arms and armrests will be polyurethane with the actual frame itself being metal. These types of chairs come in a variety of frame colors from neutral creams through to very deep blacks.

Wooden frame reception chairs may be ordered in a variety of stains and wood finishes. These can include light oak, medium oak, mahogany and walnut. All the colors will work with the upholstery selections offered, it is really a personal preference and décor coordination issue as to what color is best suited for your particular reception area. Upholstery colors usually include solid colors from creams through to the royal blues and deep forest greens. More muted colors such as sage, sunset, ice and jade mist provide a softer visual impact that coordinates well with most medical settings.

I have seen almost bench types of reception room chairs, are those specialized for a particular patient use?

Most of the reception room chairs that appear to be larger and more bench like in design are actually bariatric waiting room chairs. However, these chairs come with different weight ratings from six to eight hundred pounds, so they are very suitable for chairs for kids, families or more than one person on the chair. They are ideal for pediatric offices where moms and dads may have infants, toddlers or young children that are uncomfortable sitting on their own chair. The kids can sit with mom or dad and share a book or just sit and cuddle before the appointment.

These larger reception room chairs, many which have 36 inch seats as opposed to standard just less than 19 inch seats are also very comfortable for patients that are transferring from wheelchairs or assisted mobility devices such as scooters. The additional space on the seat provides support as well as decreases the chance of a slip. Most of the larger bariatric types of chairs will have full arms, also providing safety and security during transfers on and off of the chair.