X-ray aprons are typically referred to sometimes as lead aprons. This is because traditionally x-ray protection aprons were made of lead because of its density and ability to attenuate radiation. However lead aprons also had some very serious downsides. The first issue is the main protecting agent is lead. Lead is not environmentally friendly, which creates a problem when it comes to disposing of the lead apron after several years of use. The other danger with traditional lead aprons is that they are not ergonomically designed. The lead is often very heavy and when a surgeon is wearing it during long procedures it can be very strenuous on their bodies, especially their backs.

Manufacturers have come a long way now from the old traditional lead aprons, and they have began testing other materials other than lead that can protect against radiation but are lighter in weight. New metal alloys have been developed by companies like Lite-Tech. Their brand of x-ray aprons named Xenolite contains no lead in them. Instead of lead other lighter metals have been used to create an alloy that protects at the same equivalence as lead.

While they are not made of lead they protect equally as well and in the case of Xenolite their non lead aprons protect at a higher level than their ones that do contain lead. You can view the results in the Columbia Report that Columbia University performed. They tested attenuation rates of all the major manufacturer’s of xray aprons in the US and found that the Xenolite non lead aprons had the highest attenuation rating.

When picking out an x-ray apron for radiation protection the two main issues to address is protection equivalence and ergonomic suitability of the apron.

MRI Equipment is unique in the sense that it is some of most sensitive equipment in the medical imaging field. Since it uses very powerful magnets many precautions must be taken when setting up an MRI suite. Purchasing the correct MRI equipment is essential for both patient and staff safety. The equipment around the MRI machine must be completely non magnetic otherwise they will be pulled towards the MRI machine at a dangerous speed. There are many negligent MRI accidents every year in facilities because people do not respect the power of these machines.

MRI machines can turn equipment in the room into flying projectiles if they are not MRI tested and approved. There are manufacturers who specialize in making and testing MRI equipment for use in an MRI suite. Theses manufacturers choose to make their products out of non magnetic elements. The most popular of which is stainless steel. As a substitute for metal often times the MRI equipment is made of PVC material, since it is plastic and therefore qualifies as non magnetic.

When it comes to purchasing the actual MRI machine itself you must consider first patient comfort. One of the most difficult things for a patient in an MRI is that they can easily become claustrophobic. Since MRI machines are usually in an enclosed tube. A solution to this is to purchase an open MRI machine in which their is not tube for the patient to feel confined in.

Whether purchasing an open or close MRI machine you need to outfit your room with MRI equipment that is compatible and safe. In order to avoid being negligent in your testing you need to make sure that all magnetic objects are cleared from the range of the magnets.

It is very important to take the necessary precautions to prevent ulcers during surgical procedures. A patients body is prone to decubitus ulcers while they are having surgical procedures performed. These pressure sores can form in as short as 30 minutes of laying idle in one position.

The sores form due to the tissue not being able to receive blood from the pressure that the patients weight puts on the skin. Since surgical procedures require a patient to be anesthetized for long periods of time pressure sores can easily develop.

Prevention of decubitus ulcers is the best remedy to the problem. Not preventing these during surgical procedures is unacceptable and can be seen as surgical neglect. These ulcers are a serious matter and can last for months after a surgical procedure is done. In order to prevent a medical malpractice lawsuit it is essential to equipment your facility or practice with the appropriate equipment that will prevent these pressure ulcers from forming.

The mos common prevention method is to use surgical gel table pads and gel positioning products. These products are favored because they can be disinfected and reused over and over, unlike foam products which must be discarded for infection control purposes.

There are several manufacturers of surgical gel pads in the US. Here is a list of the major ones:

1. Action Gel Products
2. Blue Diamond Gel
3. Trulife Gel
4. Cloud 9 Gel Products

Before reviewing medical equipment to buy you should first review the medical equipment leasing options that are available to you. By leasing your medical equipment rather than purchasing it you can reduce the need for initial startup capital for a new practice. Existing practices can also benefit from medical equipment leasing because they can help to reduce the cash flow restraints.

Leasing your equipment has several advantages:

1. Leasing requires no down payment usually.
2. The practice has the option of buying the remaining value of the equipment after the lease is over.
3. There is no obligation to own the equipment at the end of the lease.
4. Increased cash flow of the practice since only monthly payments are due.
5. Devaluation of the medical equipment purchased is not passed on since you do not have to purchase the equipment after the lease is done.

When making the decision to lease your medical equipment you should do thorough research to find the lease that most suits your needs.  The medical equipment leasing company should be flexible to your needs whether that is a low payment every month or a favorable annual percentage yield.  Before researching the medical equipment you will need for your practice you should research the most favorable medical equipment lease that will help your practice grow.

Technology does so much for us on a day to day basis. However, some of the most advances in technology are in the medical and biomedical industry. It is quite amazing how technological advances have changed medical equipment today and can truly help save peoples lives. Advancing technology in the medical industry is equally as important as the education that the doctors in the field receive.

Medical equipment is what doctors rely on to save the lives they have sworn to protect. Keeping updated on the latest developments of medical products will only advance their ability help those in need.