For a general family practice what are the basic features that need to be considered with a medical exam table?
A general practice requires an examination table that can be used for a variety of different patients. A standard examination table is a good option as it is flexible and practical, designed to withstand years of use. However, for patient comfort and for ease of examination it may not offer all the position options necessary. A table that allows for backrest adjustment from the level to various incline positions is often considered a must in general practice exam rooms. This backrest positioning can be done with power systems or through a gas-spring type of mechanism.

In addition to being able to position the patient on the table having standard storage in the medical exam table base is also advantageous. This allows the doctor and staff to have immediate access to frequently used supplies and small equipment. Tables may be designed with drawers that open to the left or right side or some tables have drawers that can open either direction. In addition a paper dispenser and cutter that is mounted to the frame is both a time and energy saver between patients.
When practices include patients of all ages and health issues a hi-low examination table is very practical. This allows the table to be lowered to a standard chair height for patients with mobility problems to easy seat themselves on the table with minimal need for assistance. The table is then raised to the appropriate height to conduct the examination.

I see children in my practice and find an standard medical exam table is just too overwhelming for the kids. What options do I have for something more child friendly?
A pediatric table is designed to be very child friendly. These smaller sized versions have all the features that you would expect in an full sized table including paper roll holders, options for power lift features as well as storage within the base. However, unlike those standard models the tables designed for children often have a theme. This can be coordinated to match the décor of the office for very appealing look to the room.

Infant and toddle sized options will often offer a built in scale on the table. This is a space and time saver as everything needed for the medical chart can be completed right on the same table.

Are there options to build in patient comfort while on the medical exam table?
Depending on the model of medical exam table there are several different patient comfort features that may be offered. The ability to incline the backrest and position the leg rest or stirrups to the physical size of the patient provides immediate comfort. Patients also appreciate the upholstered and padded table tops that are designed to minimize the pressure on the back, shoulders and hips when on the table for longer periods of time.

Additional pillows and neck supports are offered on some models of tables. Arm rests, safety rails and IV pole attachments that re easily added to the frame of the table can be essential in keeping patients secure. The IV pole attachment prevents the need for additional equipment in the room, providing staff with additional space to move about with ease.

For OB/GYN examinations or other types of procedures some tables may also offer a warming drawer. This allows medical equipment to be kept at above room temperature to prevent shock and discomfort when it comes into contact with the patient. This little additional feature can make all the difference in the world to customer satisfaction while in the examination room.

I have a very small examination room in my practice and need medical exam tables that are space saving. What options should I consider?
Many examination rooms are small and designed to hold only the basic in equipment and supplies. Since medical exam tables may be the largest item in the room finding space saving options is essential. There are several different options to consider that can be ideal as general use tables even in limited space. One option is an adjustable length table. These are typically designed to have the head and footrest fold down, leaving just the middle section flat as the top of the table. This provides a wide range of position and options for using the table during examinations and treatments. They may or may not have the option to position the backrest to an inclined position rather than the flat position.

Many of these styles of tables are open and designed with an H-brace structure for support and safety. Other options may include a cabinet under the center section of the table that can add to storage space in the room. These cabinets have adjustable shelves for individual configuration. In addition these cabinets can be locked to prevent access to the contents by unauthorized individuals.
A chair style option is also space saving. These models are often hi-lo options, providing easy access to the chair by the patient. Once seated the entire chair is lifted and then the back reclined into the desired examination position. Leg rests and stirrups are recessed into the base of the chair and can be extended as needed.

Are there any eco-friendly medical exam tables on the market and what makes them "greener" than standard tables?More and more facilities are moving towards LEED certification and becoming more environmentally friendly. There are medical exam tables that provide eco-friendly styles and features. Wood construction is a key element which provides a warm look to the room and, with different colors of coverings, can coordinate with any décor. However the hardwood legs and frame also means that the table can be recycled and does not contain any plastics or PVCs. Natural stain and wood colors also means that there is no paint used in the manufacturing of the frame. If the frame is painted or laminated the materials used are lead free and all upholstery is fully PVC-free.
Eco-friendly medical exam tables can have a full cabinet as well. They can include 100% recyclable metal components for all hardware used in the construction of medical exam tables. In addition all wood on the table, including the laminated panels can be manufactured with no added urea-formaldehyde. These options are typically very cost effective and highly comparable to traditional styles of tables on the market.

What is the difference between medical exam chairs and examination tables and which is best?
The term examination chair is often used to describe hi-lo medical examination tables that can be placed in the upright or chair position for patient examinations. These tables are very practical in all types of settings since they are compact yet offer more positioning options than a standard table. There are different models that are designed for bariatric patients, patients transferring in and out of wheelchairs and patients with mobility problems. Since the table top or seat can be lowered and raised to the right level, patient comfort and safety is maximized.

Other option in chairs can include specialized equipment. Podiatry chairs with additional support for legs and feet combined with power backrest and tilt allow the patient to be placed in the correct position for any procedure. This allows the patient to remain in the seated and reclined position while the foot is at a level that is comfortable for the medical staff. Longer procedures are made much easier on all involved when this position option is possible.

What options are available for hospital lighting for staff safety and patient comfort?
Ideally in a patient room in a hospital setting it is important to keep the lighting as natural as possible. This lessens patient stress about being in an unfamiliar environment and provides a more welcoming environment. Natural light can be enhanced by large windows but overhead or over the bed type of lighting is still the main source. Over bed lights are typically longer than a standard wall mount light and can be up to four feet long. These lights usually include multiple setting options that the patient can control with the call button or through a keypad system on the bed rail. Some models may also provide remote control of the light settings independent of the call button or bed.

Different light settings are possible based on the ambient light and the needs of the patient and staff. Directly light provides the most intense light that can be used during patient examinations or in completing procedures in the room. Indirect lighting or general lighting keeps a standard room brightness that is usually focused up as opposed to down towards the patient as in direct lighting.

Reading lights are focused to provide light towards the head of the bed. For a very soft and indirect light a nightlight option is also available on some models. This, like the indirect lighting, is directed away from the patient area but illuminates the bed and surrounding space. With the nightlight option on staff can complete checks on the patient and the medical equipment and supplies without turning on the overhead room lights or using the directed light.

What factors need to be considered when selecting hospital lighting throughout the facility?
Coordinating lighting in a medical facility requires advanced planning and a good understanding of the lighting needs of different areas. In patient and visitor areas standard room lighting is important to provide a well-lit, safe yet welcoming environment. Patient rooms will required additional lighting that can be used by medical staff during examinations and procedures in the room. Nursing stations require a brighter light that is compatible with computer use, documentation and charting. Lighting in this area is typically on 24/7 and energy efficiency will be important, as it is throughout the facility. Additional lights such as gooseneck lamps can be a supplement for desks and workstations. Hallways need to be brightly lit for safety reasons. This means positioning hospital lighting to minimize shadows and dark areas while also preserving a comfortable lighting level.

Newer hospitals typically are designed to admit natural light through larger windows along hallways and in waiting areas. Skylights may supplement artificial lighting in "green" hospitals to minimize power usage during the day.Operating theatres, patient examination rooms and doctor's offices will need enhanced lighting based on the specific use.

Operating rooms in particular require both general direct and indirect lighting as well as the use of specific operating room lights. Operating room lights provide true color and high levels of light intensity during surgical procedures. These lights are typically ceiling mounted and, with independent positioning, can be adjusted to focus light where it is required.

What options are available for energy efficiency in hospital lighting?
New technology has provided several options for energy efficiency in all types of hospital lighting. Photocell lights that come on only when the ambient light drops below a pre-set level will automatically control room lights and hallway lights. These systems typically have a manual override that allows staff to turn on the lights using a wall switch if required.

Other options for energy efficiency include using LED lights, even in the large operating room lights. These energy efficient lamps not only help to reduce the demand for electricity but they also operate without producing heat, reducing the use of air conditioning systems and further saving energy.

What are the different size considerations when selecting phlebotomy chairs?
There are several different size options in blood drawing chairs. For larger adult patients bariatric chairs are available that have a wider and longer seat and backrest area as well as additional support throughout the frame. Tall and extra-tall options comfortably seat even the tallest patient and also place the armrest higher off the ground on the frame, allowing the phlebotomist to be able to draw blood without having to stoop over.

Standard sized chairs can accommodate most average adults and teens. With a booster cushion for the seat they are also a good option for older children. For very young infants a specialized table style of phlebotomy station is the safest option for the child and the technician. Individuals that are non-ambulatory can be easily accommodated for blood tests using a wheelchair friendly station. This mounts to the wall and slides up and down for positioning based on the chair height and chair arm height.

What features in phlebotomy chairs make a technician's work easier?
A height adjustment option for the armrest is one feature that can certainly make a day working in the lab or medical facility much less tiring. Most adjustment systems are a simple locking mechanism that allows the armrest to move up and down to the correct height. For complete control over height of the entire chair hydraulic or lift blood drawing chairs provide the most flexibility. These are ideal for busy facilities where multiple phlebotomists may use the same testing station throughout the day.
The type of material that phlebotomy chairs are constructed of also can save time in disinfecting the chairs between patients and as needed. Molded plastic, seamless upholstery or a combination of both are good choices. Frames that are metal are likewise easy to care for and very durable.

Adding a cabinet or a drawer to the armrest is helpful to store small supplies such as cause, sterilizing pads, tape, bandages and additional syringes. Cabinets tend to be deeper and have a larger capacity than the slimmer drawers. Most of these also provide an additional solid worktop for writing labels and updating notes.

Many models of phlebotomy chairs are designed to allow an IV pole to be quickly and easily attached to the frame. These models may be found in laboratory and medical settings and can extend the use of the chair based on your specific needs.

Is a pivot or a flip arm the best option in phlebotomy chairs?
Blood drawing chairs can have either a flip arm or a pivot arm. A flip arm moves up and down or flips up and down to allow the patient easy movement in and out of the seat. When the patient is seated the arm is flipped down, providing the solid support needed. A pivot arm rotates out and in based on the same usage pattern. Pivot arms require a bit more room to each side but the difference is minimal on most chairs.

As with most medical equipment the different styles offered are largely a personal preference. Often padded or upholstered arms are more likely to pivot while solid surface arms are more commonly designed to flip. There are some models that offer an armrest for the arm that is not being used for the blood draw. This can add to the patient's comfort level and may make getting in and out of the seat easier for patients with mobility problems. The surface area of the armrest needs to be seamless if upholstered and made of a material that will be easy to sterilize using standard cleaning equipment.

What are the advantages in molded plastic or upholstered blood drawing chairs?Both molded plastic and upholstered styles are good options for phlebotomy chairs for a busy facility. Molded plastic chairs tend to be easily to clean and slightly longer lasting since they do not have the softer surface area that can be cut, scratched or scuffed with wear. However, the upholstered models are more comfortable, an important consideration for patients. Both types of construction are designed to resist any type of contamination, mold and mildew. Seamless designed prohibit liquids from entering into the chair fabric even on the upholstered options. Surfaces can be sprayed with disinfectant and wiped down between each patient.

The frames of both types of chairs are typically made of metal tubing. This is sturdy, strong and is very resistant to wear. With specialized coating on the metal there is no concern with rust or corrosion. Armrests, backrests and work areas on the arm of the chair should also be made of a water resistant surface that is easy to clean and fast drying.

2. What is the correct positioning of blood drawing chairs in the laboratory or phlebotomy room?Patients that are in the laboratory or phlebotomy room need to have personal space as do the staff working with the patients. Depending on the style of equipment that you have the blood drawing chairs should be placed with enough room for staff to walk between the chairs and work on either side of the patient to draw blood. This typically means at least four feet between stations to avoid staff bumping into each other. In addition patients tend to feel more comfortable and relaxed if they do not feel crowded or cramped into an area.

Besides the phlebotomy chairs a working area needs to be in place. This can be a station between each set of chairs that includes a workspace, storage area for phlebotomy and lab supplies, a Sharps container for used syringes and sample holders and writing supplies. When blood drawing chairs do not have cabinets or drawers under the armrest additional storage areas for gauze, alcohol pads, lancets, collection tubes and tape should also be within easy reach of each phlebotomist. Typically there will also be a need for basic medical equipment such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes and other necessary equipment.

3. Is there a cost benefit to electric blood drawing chairs?
Having electric or power lift types of phlebotomy chairs in a lab or medical facility offers several advantages. Staff can quickly and easily adjust the height for their comfort when drawing blood without any discomfort to the patient. Patients are not required to step up into the equipment as they would with a tall or extra-tall chair option. This is often a major consideration for patients with mobility concerns, including senior citizens that may find stepping up into the chair as well as down out of the chair intimidating. Armrests on these models will usually flip up and sit parallel to the backrest, allowing patients maximum ability to enter the chair from the front or sides.

Another feature of the electric model is that it can be placed in the reclining position for extended comfort and safety. Patients that are undergoing a longer procedure such as donating blood or having a blood transfusion can relax rather than having to sit in the traditional upright position. Fainting and dizziness can also be accommodated by tilting the chair to a comfortable reclined setting.

These chairs are controlled using either a hand held keypad or a foot control. This allows smooth and fluid movement of the chair for raising, lowering and reclinin

What type of light is considered the best in surgical lights for operating rooms as well as patient examination rooms?

In an operating theatre it is essential that true light be available to allow medical staff and surgeons to notice even minor differences in color. This means that a pure white light is the most desirable. It is critical for clear contrast and ease of color tone differentiation that blue hues are eliminated from the light source.

In addition to the bulb type, it is important to consider bulb longevity when selecting a light style and design. Many of the new LED and halogen bulbs provide extended operating life that saves both money as well as downtime for replacement. With multi-bulb systems in the lights there is also no need for a back-up light on site since it is not a single or dual bulb unit. The design of the light itself can also be instrumental in determining just how practical it is. Operating room lights that are designed to limit shadows through the use of reflectors, limitless rotation and positioning options as well as shapes that position the bulbs strategically in the light all are essential for direct, focused light.

What is the advantage of surgical lights that use LED technology? LED surgical lights are considered to be superior in many respects to other types of operating room lights. They are very true white and can provide up to 10% more illumination than other types of bulbs. Since they are LED technology they also produce no heat either downwards with the light or venting out of the fixture. This means that there is no concern with patient or staff comfort when working for long periods of time directly under the light source.

LED operating room lights are designed to be energy efficient and, depending on the specific fixture, can save as much as 50% over traditional surgical lights in hospital settings. For busy operating rooms and surgical areas that are in use round the clock this can be a huge electricity saving feature. Typically LED lights have a longer bulb life as well, reducing the cost of replacement bulbs over the life of the light.
Lights designed with energy saving in mind can extend the very bright and true white light from the LED bulb with the use of reflectors. These are faceted surfaces around the bulb that enhance the light source from different angles from the same bulb. This provides a reduction in shadows but also allows for greater focus of the light beam directly on the required area.

What design options are available in surgical lights for high volume operating theatres?
Busy operating theatres where a wide number of procedures are completed on a daily basis need to have lights that are practical in their design. This includes having a good range of motion from the arms of either a single or double mount option. Operating lights with a double mount provide two distinct light sources and directions to enhance visibility over a wider area when necessary. They can also be used to cut down on any possibility of shadows. These lights may also be most practical for multi-use facilities since the dual lights are ideal for illuminating the entire patient as well as specific areas of focus.

It is important in all types of surgical theatres to consider surgical lights with drift-free technology. This prohibits the natural movement of the light that can occur with movement in the room. Drift-free lights may be designed with a counterweight that anchors the light in position until manually repositioned. Light on and off switches that are mounted on the walls will eliminate the need to actually touch the handles of the controls ensuring that the light stays in one place.

What features are essential in selecting operating room lights for multi-use surgical theatres?

Most operating rooms outside of major research facilities and hospitals will be used for a variety of different procedures. This means that lighting in the room must be flexible and practical based on the individual procedural needs. Overhead operating room lights that are either single or double mount will provide outstanding value since they can be positioned to focus the light right where it is needed. Most of the ceiling mount units will have full rotation on the lights as well as arms that can be extended several feet from the mount. With this range of mobility and extension the surgeon or staff is able to easily swing and move the lights as needed during the procedure.

Autoclaving handles on the lights are an important feature in a busy surgical theatre. Autoclaving handles allow the full sterilization of the handle between each procedure for optimum contaminant reduction. Not all lights offer this feature so if autoclaving handles are not an option be sure to check the design of the handle fore easy manual cleaning and sterilization. Flat surfaces, seamless joining to the light itself and control functions on the handle that will not retain liquids in crevices around the controls are essential.

Choosing the type of bulbs that the surgical lights will use is another factor to consider. Different lights offer different features. Some provide a true light while others provide more of a contrast for easy examination and identification of objects. Virtually all lights are designed to avoid directing any heat and some, especially LED lights, add no additional heat to the room at all. This can help in temperature control in the room and surgical staff and patient comfort.

Are there smaller operating room lights available that are a good option for procedures competed in patient examination and treatment rooms?

Not all surgical procedures occur in operating rooms. Many doctors in specialized and general practices use operating room lights in their patient examination rooms. Dentists also use operating style lights to pinpoint bright and true light when completing dental procedures.

Single ceiling mount operating room lights are a good option for many uses. These lights can be positioned to provide a wide or narrow beam of light where required. Since they are ceiling mounted they are very space saving and easily pushed up and out of the way when not required. An even more flexible option is a gooseneck lamp that can be mounted to a table or to the wall. These types of lamps can provide a direct focused light perfect for detailed examinations. Headlights can also be used that allow a LED light to be adjusted to pinpoint accuracy. Worn around the head with an adjustable band this light source is highly mobile and easy to transfer with the physician from room to room.

How are shadow issues dealt with through specific design features of different types of surgical lights?

A key element in the design of effective operating room lights is the ability to position and rotate the lights to avoid any shadows. This means that the light has to be angled or designed to prevent the shadow of the surgeon and staff to create dark areas. To minimize this problem multiple lamps are found in each light, which provide different angels of illumination. The more lamps within each light the less chance of shadows.

Other surgical lights may be designed with multiple reflectors behind the lamps. This decreases the need for large numbers of bulbs, helping to keep energy use low. The reflectors are angled within the design to focus the light to a central area from multiple points beside and behind the bulb itself. Even if there is some movement across the directed light from the bulb the light from the reflectors will prevent any shadows.

Why Diabetic Footwear Protects Your Feet and Your Health?

Not all shoes are created alike. Some are designed for helping you run for longer distances, which can improve your health, but others are designed to help you with a medical condition, like diabetes. Diabetes footwear is not only innovative, but also a necessary part of a diabetes care regimen. These are some of the most commonly asked questions about diabetic footwear choices.

How Does Diabetic Footwear Protect the Foot?

There are several ways that diabetic shoes and boots can help you protect your feet:

Improve circulation – Since diabetes can cause poor circulation, these shoes can aid in improving blood flow, which will reduce the chances of numbness and loss of feeling. Reduce stress at certain points – The tops of the toes, the ball of the foot and other areas are particularly vulnerable to stress as you walk. The shoes then help to prevent scrapes and blisters from forming at these areas.

Protect the foot from injury – Since your foot moves through obstacles in the world all throughout the day, these types of footwear can help protect the skin from everyday cuts and scratches which can turn more serious for those with diabetes. Allow the foot to breathe – Heat and moisture that build up in the foot can increase the chances of blistering, so by allowing the foot to breathe, the wearer can not only be more comfortable, but you can lessen your chances of problems.

Are There Stylish Kinds of Diabetic Shoes?

Many people are concerned that diabetic footwear is not very stylish, but this is far from the truth. You can find a number of styles, ranging from typical athletic shoes to boots. With the even growing population of diabetics, you will find that more styles and colors are available than there ever have been before. Men and women can find styles that will suit a number of situations, and no one will be the wiser.

What Can Happen If I Don't Protect My Feet? You may not realize just how important diabetic foot care is for your health. In a typical person, a small blister simply shows up on the foot, they feel pain and they treat it or they let it heal on its own. But in a diabetic patient, this isn't the way it works. Since you can't necessarily feel the pain, you might end up causing the blister to open up and become infected. Without regular foot inspections, that infection could then turn into gangrene and other serious conditions, some even resulting in a need for amputation. While this sounds scary and perhaps rare, this is not the case. Many people don't stop to take the time to check their feet for troubles. With the slower healing time of diabetics, you can't afford to not check for sores and blisters each time you take your shoes off. Wearing diabetic footwear is a good step as it will help you reduce the possibility of these kinds of issues, but the rest of your foot care is up to you.

What are the advantages in molded plastic or upholstered blood drawing chairs?

Both molded plastic and upholstered styles are good options for blood drawing chairs for a busy facility. Molded plastic chairs tend to be easily to clean and slightly longer lasting since they do not have the softer surface area that can be cut, scratched or scuffed with wear. However, the upholstered models are more comfortable, an important consideration for patients. Both types of construction are designed to resist any type of contamination, mold and mildew. Seamless designed prohibit liquids from entering into the chair fabric even on the upholstered options. Surfaces can be sprayed with disinfectant and wiped down between each patient.

The frames of both types of chairs are typically made of metal tubing. This is sturdy, strong and is very resistant to wear. With specialized coating on the metal there is no concern with rust or corrosion. Armrests, backrests and work areas on the arm of the chair should also be made of a water resistant surface that is easy to clean and fast drying.

What is the correct positioning of blood drawing chairs in the laboratory or phlebotomy room?
Patients that are in the laboratory or phlebotomy room need to have personal space as do the staff working with the patients. Depending on the style of equipment that you have the blood drawing chairs should be placed with enough room for staff to walk between the chairs and work on either side of the patient to draw blood. This typically means at least four feet between stations to avoid staff bumping into each other. In addition patients tend to feel more comfortable and relaxed if they do not feel crowded or cramped into an area.

Besides the phlebotomy chairs a working area needs to be in place. This can be a station between each set of chairs that includes a workspace, storage area for phlebotomy and lab supplies, a Sharps container for used syringes and sample holders and writing supplies. When blood drawing chairs do not have cabinets or drawers under the armrest additional storage areas for gauze, alcohol pads, lancets, collection tubes and tape should also be within easy reach of each phlebotomist. Typically there will also be a need for basic medical equipment such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes and other necessary equipment.

Is there a cost benefit to electric blood drawing chairs?

Having electric or power lift types of phlebotomy chairs in a lab or medical facility offers several advantages. Staff can quickly and easily adjust the height for their comfort when drawing blood without any discomfort to the patient. Patients are not required to step up into the equipment as they would with a tall or extra-tall chair option. This is often a major consideration for patients with mobility concerns, including senior citizens that may find stepping up into the chair as well as down out of the chair intimidating. Armrests on these models will usually flip up and sit parallel to the backrest, allowing patients maximum ability to enter the chair from the front or sides.

Another feature of the electric model is that it can be placed in the reclining position for extended comfort and safety. Patients that are undergoing a longer procedure such as donating blood or having a blood transfusion can relax rather than having to sit in the traditional upright position. Fainting and dizziness can also be accommodated by tilting the chair to a comfortable reclined setting.

These chairs are controlled using either a hand held keypad or a foot control. This allows smooth and fluid movement of the chair for raising, lowering and reclining.