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Safely Position Patients with the EPD

by sphmedicaladmin

The Use of the EPD for Patient Positioning During Spinal Blocks and Other Procedures

There are risks associated with any surgery, but patients are not the only ones who should keep that in mind. Healthcare workers in a surgery department or labor and delivery unit at a hospital should also bear this in mind, especially those who administer spinal blocks or provide patients with epidural pain relief before surgery. These assertions mirror those found in multiple studies that examine the use of pain-blocking modalities administered to patients in hospitals and other medical settings. One of those studies comes from the National Institutes of Health, the primary agency for conducting and supporting medical research in the U.S. The study found that not safely position patients and manually holding patients so that they can receive a spinal block or another type of pain-blocking injection can put medical teams at risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder.

This type of injury often occurs when nurses, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals have to catch patients who start to fall after having received a spinal block or undergoing epidural pain relief. In addition to musculoskeletal disorders, getting patients into position to be injected with a pain-blocking injection often leaves many caregivers struggling with lower and upper back pain and even neck pain. That said, it is worth noting that such injuries occur far less frequently when caregivers use an epidural positioning device (EPD) to help them move a patient into an optimal position to receive their much-needed pain-blocking injection, or when the imaging department uses the EPD to position patients comfortably for Thoracentesis.

How Current Patient Positioning Methods Lead to Injuries

Having established there are inherent risks that come with safely position patients into a position to receive a spinal block or another pain-blocking modality before they undergo surgery, let’s discuss how using an EPD can help keep medical teams safe. Medical teams in most hospitals and other medical facilities will typically use inflatable pillows and ordinary chairs and stools to get patients into position to receive a pain-blocking injection before their surgery. This haphazard approach often leaves patients and their caregivers susceptible to multiple injuries.

How Investing in an Epidural Positioning Device Leads to a Safer Surgery Department and Labor and Delivery

To appreciate how an epidural chair or similar epidural positioning device keeps medical teams safe, it helps to know a little more about what they do.  An epidural chair, either the non powered version or the electric version, makes it easier for medical teams to move patients into a seated position that optimizes spinal flexion throughout the entire spine.  This seated position that allows for optimized spinal flexion makes it easier for an anesthesiologist to correctly and safely inject patients with pain-blocking medication.  And since these devices require less hands-on involvement relative to moving patients into position, anesthesiologists and their supporting staff are less likely to suffer injuries.

Bottom Line

EPDs can improve patient and medical team safety in both a hospital’s operating room, imaging department, and its labor and delivery unit. That alone makes them worth the investment. To learn more about these revolutionary medical devices, consider speaking with one of our knowledgeable associates today.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3964150/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7754151/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11682426/

The SPH Medical EPD improves safety for Spinal positioning
CategoriesPatient Handling

Using an EPD for Patient Positioning During Spinal Blocks

by sphmedicaladmin

Most medical professionals who take part in orthopedic surgery say an epidural positioning device (EPD) significantly improves safety and comfort for patients getting a subarachnoid block and then undergoing orthopedic surgery. To better understand why they feel this way, it helps to know a little more about subarachnoid blocks and the type of orthopedic surgeries in which they are most beneficial. Using the epidural positioning chair for patient positioning during spinal blocks helps the nursing staff as well as the patient.

Why an Epidural Positioning Device Might Be Necessary Before and Even After a Subarachnoid Block

So that everyone is on the same page, a subarachnoid block, also known as a spinal block, is a general anesthesia alternative capable of producing an intense sensory, motor, and sympathetic blockade that keeps pain at bay.  The process entails injecting an anesthetic or opioid directly into the subarachnoid space via a fine needle.  These injections go into the patient’s back and leave them feeling numb from the waist down, making them ideal for orthopedic surgery involving the legs, hips, knees, and ankles.  The effects of a subarachnoid block can last from 2 to 4 hours.  That said, problems can arise when patients are left numb from the waist down after receiving a subarachnoid block injection.  To minimize the risk of patients falling when they have to transition from one location to another, medical staff will have to manually hold and support them, which requires a reasonable degree of counter pressure.  But even still, falls do happen.  And sometimes, both the patient and medical personnel end up suffering injuries as a result.

The Dangers in Patient Positioning During Spinal Blocks

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, the subarachnoid block or spinal block is the most widely practiced anesthesia technique used in surgeries involving the lower extremities, including orthopedic surgeries. In 2017, around 22 million Americans underwent orthopedic surgery of some kind. By the end of 2022, a projected 28 million will have undergone orthopedic surgery, according to a Globe Newswire study. Some of the nurses and anesthesia technicians involved in these surgeries either already have or eventually will suffer injuries due to not using an EPD, with falls, back strain, or both being to blame for the vast majority of them.

How Does the EPD Help for Patient Positioning During Spinal Blocks and Surgical Procedures?

First and foremost, EPDs are not limited to nurses and anesthesia technicians in a surgery department alone.  They can come in handy during post-surgery when patients are still in pain or find it difficult to move certain limbs.  Even in a surgery department, nurses and anesthesia technicians use them for non-orthopedic surgeries.  It is not uncommon to see them used before and after most surgeries involving a patient’s lower extremities.  EPDs can also come in handy in a labor and delivery unit to help move women from one location to another after childbirth, especially if they received epidural pain relief beforehand.  Whether in a surgery department, labor and delivery unit, or elsewhere in a medical setting, all EPDs work more or less the same.  They allow medical staff to position patients correctly and comfortably to facilitate cervical, thoracic and lumbar flexion.

To that end, the benefits of EPD, also known as an epidural chair, are as follows:

  • Can accommodate various patient body types
  • Can support patients weighing up to 600 lbs
  • Keeps patients who are dizzy or otherwise uncoordinated due to an epidural from falling
  • Allows nurses and other medical staff members time to tend to more pressing tasks

Bottom Line

Helping a patient get into a new position, especially when epidural pain relief is involved, can be challenging and dangerous.  Using EPDs or epidural chairs can make life easier, not to mention safer, for everyone involved.

CategoriesPatient Handling

Solving Patient Handling Injuries With Air

by sphmedicaladmin

While working in a hospital can be a very rewarding career, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own personal health to live it. Common nursing injuries happen from performing patient repositioning tasks and lateral transfers every day. These patient handling injuries are completely avoidable when the appropriate equipment is routinely accessible and available for hospital staff members to use.

What Are Air Assisted Transfer Systems?

Air assisted transfer systems have been around for some time now and are found in most major hospitals and healthcare systems.  They are essentially an inflatable mattress that allows air to escape through tiny holes on the underside that create a thin cushion of air to reduce friction and float the patient. Whenever you need to do a lateral transfer or even reposition a patient in their bed, you can simply inflate the mattress with air. This helps to boost the patient off the surface of the bed and allows for easy sliding of the mattress from one surface to another or simply further up to the head of the bed. While variations of these air assisted transfer systems are produced by other medical companies, SPH Medical offers the breathable Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress.

The SPH Medical Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress

The SPH Medical Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress is specifically designed to help make lateral transfers and repositioning effortless for both nursing staff and patients alike. Compliant with Safe Patient Handling Programs and Policies, this disposable transfer mat greatly works to reduce the risk of hospital infections and cross-contamination. Additionally, it helps to reduce the amount of laundry your hospital must clean. No longer will you have to run short on lateral transfer supplies for days or even weeks. With Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattresses, you can always have a ready-to-go supply for when your patients need them.

Greatly Reduce Patient Handling Injuries

With nursing shortages becoming the norm, having nurses out due to patient handling injuries can further wear down those on staff. Air assisted transfer mats greatly help to reduce the amount of effort it takes for the nursing staff to move patients. Unlike draw sheet or sliding board transfers, air transfer mats minimize friction to make every transfer or repositioning attempt safe for everyone. When you’re able to utilize these air powered transfer systems, you can help drastically eliminate many manual patient handling tasks. Instead of worrying about potentially undergoing a repositioning injury, you can focus more on patient care. And these single use mattresses are specifically designed to be breathable so they can be utilized under total care patients for extended periods of time.

CategoriesPatient Handling

The Use of The EPD for Patient Positioning

by sphmedicaladmin

The use of the EPD for patient positioning during spinal blocks and other procedures

To assist in enhancing patient and staff safety, a distinguished anesthesiologist created the first Epidural Positioning Device (EPD) over two decades ago. The EPD is currently the gold standard for positioning devices used by hospital’s surgery department and surgical personnel all around the globe.

The epidural device aids in the safe positioning of patients while also lowering the risk of musculoskeletal disorders to healthcare workers.  The epidural chair is most often used to position a patient for an epidural placement.  Still, it is effective in situating patients securely for a range of medical procedures by promoting optimal lumbar, thoracic, and cervical flexion, offering several advantages for both patients and caregivers.

Manually moving and positioning patients for an epidural is usually done by having a patient lean over an unstable bedside table, stacked with pillows and a chair or stool to support their feet. A nurse or nurse assistant would first position the patient at the side of the bed or table, place their feet on a chair or stool, then bring over the bedside table that doesn’t lock, and stack pillows on the table so the patient can lean forward on the pillows. This approach is insecure and unstable since the table could move, pillows may easily slip out of place, and the set height of the chair or stool is inconvenient for certain people.  The nurse is challenged to hold onto the patient and the table so nothing moves.

On the other hand, the EPD, or Epidural Chair as it often known, has a stable lockable base. It’s adjustable to accommodate patients of all sizes.  The vertical height adjustment, foot platforms, arm rests, and face rest cushion allow each patient to be placed in the most comfortable position possible for the treatment.  The chest cushion promotes the optimal spinal flexion.  Now with the use of the EPD the patient is in a secure and safe position to avoid any movement during needle insertion,

In the past the nurse or nursing assistant would often maintain the patient’s position while supporting part of their body weight. To make matters worse, patients are anxious, unpredictable, often in pain, occasionally drugged, and may move unexpectedly, placing the nurse in danger. These extended static holds, and counter pressure tasks have been highlighted as high risk by leading hospital ergonomic teams, who have tried to rethink the Epidural and Spinal Block Placement procedures to eliminate the manual patient handling components due to the predictable nature of daily routine. The positioning device was created to address these concerns.

Benefits of the Epidural Positioning Device

  • Mitigates Risk of Complications
    There is a considerable risk of complication due to the patients’ sudden movement during spinal blocks and epidural treatments. Caregivers have been using their body and manual handling to keep the patient in the proper position for these procedures which is often unstable.  Patients are prone to moving involuntarily during the procedure which may lead to inaccurate needle placement. A solid ergonomic positioning option such as the epidural positioning device provides the spinal flexion needed and the stability required to provide a smooth and accurate procedure.
  • Eliminates Risk of Injury
    Nurses and caregivers physically position patients for epidural placements in labor and delivery units all day, every day.  Nurses also prepare patients for Spinal Blocks in preoperative settings and operating rooms.  Sonographers, or ultrasound techs, are also positioning patients in the imaging department for Thoracentesis.  In most cases, the caregiver must use their arms and body to maintain a steady grip on the table, stool, and patient during the treatment.

Assisting the patient in maintaining a flexed spinal posture puts the nurse or helper in danger of suffering a musculoskeletal injury. Hospital ergonomic experts have documented that repetitive static holds, especially with awkward body posture, may also lead to injury. This old fashioned way of doing things has resulted in predictable strains, sprains, and workplace injuries.  The EPD solves these issues and provides a standardized and efficient process that improves nursing and caregiver safety while avoiding the high risk tasks of manually holding and supporting the patient.

Improves Patient’s Comfort and Satisfaction

According to recent research, patient comfort was greatly improved when the EPD was used instead of flexion alone for pregnant women having an epidural. It was also discovered that needle placement would be easier if the patient was more comfortable.

Labor and delivery unit, general surgery, operating rooms, anesthesia, radiology, and pain management clinics are all places where EPDs are now standard. Epidurals, spinal blocks, and thoracentesis procedures are all performed using the EPD. Every medical institution must make every effort to keep patients safe and comfortable while preventing harm to nurses. EPDs put patients in the best possible position to enable the anesthesiologist to do their best work.  The Epidural Chair helps keep patients in position while the needle placement occurs by creating a solid, stable, and pleasant environment.

The device was developed to provide ideal spinal flexion and access to the lumbar, thoracic and cervical areas, but it has recently gained popularity for supporting patients during thoracentesis procedures.  The imaging department is generally involved with “thora’s” as they prepare the patient and locate the ideal spot on the rib cage to prepare for the treatment.  They have also been using the unstable bedside table for positioning and a stool.  Now with the EPD patients are easily positioned in a comfortable position to enable the pulmonologist to insert the catheter to drain excess fluid from the pleural space.

Patients benefit from the secure feeling and comfort provided by the epidural patient positioning device. When the patient is properly positioned with the EPD, the caregiver doesn’t have to rely on their arms, shoulders, and hands to keep them in the best posture for the treatment.  These advantages significantly minimize the risk of staff injuries and complications during epidurals, spinal blocks and thora’s.

Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress
CategoriesPatient Handling

Repositioning Injuries in Hospitals

by sphmedicaladmin

Healthcare workers are at risk for injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) when performing manual patient transfers. According to recent studies, over 95% of nurses, report having some form of MSD or repositioning injuries during their careers. In 2021, there were a combined 18,090 missed days of work in the U.S. due to the disorder.

Low Back pain is the most common complaint among healthcare workers. This injury is brought on by the repeated stress of lifting patients manually. A few key examples include:

  • Transferring a patient from a bed to a stretcher
  • Lifting a patient from a supine position
  • Repositioning a total-care patient
  • Lateral transfer before and after surgery
  • Transferring the same patient several times per day

While repositioning injuries can occur at the precise time of a lateral transfer, chronic back and shoulder pain most often affects healthcare professionals. It is often the cumulative trauma from these repetitive tasks that leads to the eventual injury. In addition, current labor shortages mean longer hours, further compounding the problem. Also, due to an ongoing growth of the obesity epidemic in the U.S., patients are becoming increasingly heavier.

The SPH Medical Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress solves this problem by using a cushion of air under an inflated mattress. It helps reduce the patient’s weight, similar to how the buoyancy of water does. The result is a simple assisted lifting device that does most of the work for you.

There are other transfer devices available that can assist with repositioning and lateral transfers including patient  lifts. However, the SPH Medical Single Patient Use Transfer Mat comes with these added benefits:

  • Fully disposable and simple to use
  • Reduces cross-contamination
  • Reduces the need for laundering and subsequent loss
  • Reduces the risk of a nursing injury
  • Fewer missed days from work

In addition, SPH Single Patient Use Transfer Mats are easier to implement because:

  • The inventory is easier to manage
  • They do not require laundering
  • Single patient use cuts down on infections and cross-contamination
  • They provide a cost-effective solution for hospitals and clinics
  • Each transfer mat is made from a quality, breathable material so it can stay under a patient for extended periods

If you or others on your healthcare team suffer from repositioning injury due to your current patient transfer protocols, it may be time for a new strategy. Please visit SPH Medical for more information on how you and your fellow healthcare providers can benefit from the SPH Medical Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress.

No Rinse No Wipe and 2 Min Kill of C diff
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Hospital Grade Disinfectants

by sphmedicaladmin

Reduce the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections with OXYdiff

The risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) from dangerous pathogens is a constant threat to patients during treatment. This risk is exacerbated by invasive procedures like surgery, severe illnesses, the misuse of antibiotics and neglect of best practices. Although, the use of proper hospital grade disinfectants and adhering to best practices for cleaning can help reduce the risk of patients contracting HAIs. Recently receiving an updated approval by the EPA, OXYdiff is a disinfectant capable of killing some of the most dangerous pathogens in the hospital setting, protecting patients. Formerly known as Noroxycdiff, this environmentally friendly disinfectant is primarily made with Hydrogen Peroxide. OXYdiff has also received an upgrade with an Emerging Pathogens approval.

Hospital-Acquired Infections

HAIs lead to medical costs of over $28.4 billion every year. These infections are often caused by hard-to-kill bacteria and can lead to severe conditions like sepsis for already vulnerable patients. With the right prevention measures in place, healthcare facilities can reduce HAIs by up to 70%. This makes it crucial for hospitals to use a safe and effective hospital grade disinfectants that targets deadly bacteria and viruses in the prevention process.

However, not all hospital disinfectants are created equal. Not all disinfectants are capable of killing all of the deadly pathogens that threaten patients, such as Clostridium deficile, a dangerous spore forming bacteria. Bleach is often touted as a solution since it is capable of killing the bacteria, but bleach comes with its own disadvantages. Bleach emits toxic fumes that are harmful to patients and staff and can even damage equipment due to its corrosive properties.

An Effective Hospital Grade Disinfectant

OXYdiff targets and kills dangerous pathogens, like Norovirus, MRSA and Clostridium deficile and is easy to use in any setting. OXYdiff has a 2 minute kill time for Clostridium deficile, also known as C. diff. C. diff is considered one of the most difficult pathogens to kill and poses a serious threat to patients as it can remain on surfaces for five months and has no response to alcohol.

OXYdiff’s versatility gives healthcare professionals the ability to effectively and efficiently protect patients without the risks of other disinfectants. OXYdiff requires no rinsing and no wiping during application, making the process quick and easy and allowing healthcare staff to focus on patient care. The non-toxic formula simply needs to be sprayed using a spray bottle, electrostatic sprayer, or applied using a fogger.

Using OXYdiff as a hospital grade disinfectant in a hospital setting can significantly reduce the risk of patients contracting an HAI while providing a safe and harmless alternative to other disinfectants. Ultimately, OXYdiff can help save lives, reduce healthcare costs and maintain peace of mind for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

SPH Medical Delivers Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks
CategoriesPatient Handling

Essential supply of Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

NIOSH certified N95 Masks, and Nitrile Exam Grade gloves are personal protection equipment (PPE) to provide safety for medical staff and people in a variety of different settings. N95 masks are designed to preventing particles and in some cases liquids from coming into contact with your mouth and respiratory system. Nitrile Exam Gloves are an essential layer of protection to prevent hands from coming in contact with fluids, drugs and other pathogens, even protection from needles. When it comes to preventing the spread of microorganisms, bacteria and viruses, it is necessary to use interventions from all levels of control. Since COVID-19, the trend for personal protection equipment has spiked. In this article, we will discuss face mask options, growing trends and what the future look like for PPE.

A Protective Face Mask

Typical face masks are products worn on the face to cover the mouth and nose. The primary purpose of a face mask is to provide some level of filtration to prevent breathing in small particles of dust or as in the case of the recent pandemic airborne pathogens.  At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic cloth face coverings exploded as everyone scrambled for some level of personal protection. However we eventually learned that the generic cloth masks really offered very little protection as a filtration device. Cloth face masks, do not replace N95 respirators or other Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) that have been tested to define their actual filtration level.

Surgical Masks

A surgical mask is a disposable, loose-fitting device worn to protect the wearer’s mouth and nose and certainly their lungs from external contaminants. To clarify the surgical mask described here is the 3ply or 4ply typically blue but sometimes green mask worn by healthcare workers during patient care.  Traditionally a surgical mask in the hospital would have a 4 tie configuration or ear loops. This type of disposable filtration device is typically tested at 95% – 98% filtration levels but is not the same as an N95 respirator. It does provide filtration but does not have the same seal around the nose and mouth, nor does it typically have the dual head bands that are required by NIOSH to qualify as an N95.

There are different types of surgical masks, some have a documented level of fluid resistance that can be critical in a surgical environment. The purpose of surgical masks is to block large particles from reaching the mouth. Sprays, droplets, splashes, and splatters may contain germs, such as bacteria and viruses. Masks may also reduce the exposure of respiratory secretions and saliva to others. Even though a surgical mask does block certain contaminants, it does not block or filter very small particles.  And due to the loose fit between the mask’s surface and your face, surgical masks do not offer complete protection against germs and other contaminants. Today you will often see healthcare providers wearing both an N95 respirator and a surgical mask over it. This way the surgical mask can protect the N95 mask from exposure and the surgical mask can be thrown away. In a healthcare environment is not recommended to use a surgical mask more than once. The mask should should be removed after potential exposure or damage, thrown away, and replaced with a new one. After disposing the mask properly always wash your hands.

N95 Respirators

N95 respirators are protection devices designed to fit snugly around the face and to filter airborne particles effectively. The respirator form seals around the nose and mouth. Surgical N95 Respirators are part of the N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs), also called N95s. The N95 respirator is commonly used in construction and other industrial settings where dust and small particles are present. Several regulations regulate their use: -National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) -CDC However, there is a growing trend since COVID-19 that has increased its use in the Healthcare field. Particularly, respiratory protective devices that are single-use, disposable, and worn by healthcare personnel during procedures. As a result, both the patient and the healthcare personnel are protected from body fluids microorganisms and particulate material.

Nitrile Exam Gloves

The Nitrile Examination Grade gloves play a vital role in every hospital’s safety program and are worn by many hospital employees. The gloves are a type of personal protective equipment that protects against contact with blood, urine, stool, needles, viruses, bacteria, and other serious health risks.  In addition to Nitrile Gloves there are a variety of other materials available that may be considered viable alternatives for hospitals but none typically offer the same level of fit and protection that Nitrile gloves offer.  Exam gloves and come in a wide range of sizes and styles including a variety of colors and thicknesses.  One of the critical considerations for hospitals is the testing against Chemotherapy Drugs.  Every box of gloves should be labeled with the Chemo drugs that they have been tested against and the resistance time.  This important information informs the nurse, doctor, or technician about the level of protection they will have when handling these dangerous drugs.  Another important consideration is testing against Fentanyl Citrate now one of the most dangerous opioids that can be absorbed through the skin quickly and cause an overdose.  To avoid confusion among staff about which glove to choose, hospitals prefer to standardize on a single glove that meets the specifications of the SPH Medical Safeko Nitrile Exam Gloves, Gen-X Nitrile Exam Glove, both1 with Chemo Drug testing.

Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks FAQ

Where can I purchase a Makrite N95 Mask, NIOSH N95 Mask, and Nitrile Exam Grade gloves? SPH Medical is a global distributor and trusted source for Makrite Industries. The company offers a variety of N95 mask options and Nitrile Exam Gloves online now at sphmedical.com. Makrite N95 respirators are not sold on Facebook or through online retailers like eBay, nor do we sell to individuals directly. The entire current production capacity is dedicated to industrial and healthcare customers. How do I know a NIOSH respirator is approved? To identify NIOSH-approved respirators, look for the NIOSH approval number shown on the mask and the packaging. A NIOSH logo will be found on the packaging. The fit testing instructions will also be found on the packaging. Ear loop style masks are not NIOSH approved. All N95 respirators that receive NIOSH approval have dual elastic headbands that enable the mask to achieve a proper fit without leakage. Who needs to wear a surgical N95 Respirator? A surgical N95 respirator is typically only used by healthcare professionals who need to protect themselves from fluids and any other airborne liquids. These respirators may be used outside of healthcare facilities but the standard N95 respirator offers the same level of filtration against dust, pollen, bacteria and viruses between 0.1 and 0.3 microns in size.

The EPD is used for Thoracentesis
CategoriesPatient Handling

Thoracentesis and the EPD

by sphmedicaladmin

Pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and certain types of cancer are some of the conditions that may require Thoracentesis (“Thora’s”). Doctors use this procedure to remove excess fluid from around your lungs in order to diagnose problems that are not obvious at first glance. However, “Thora’s”, epidurals, and spinal blocks are putting the health of patients and medical staff at risk. So, how do we safeguard patients and medical staff? The article discusses “Thora’s”, patient positioning, and patient and medical staff safety.

What is a Thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing fluid from the chest wall and the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura). This space is called pleural space and it lies between these two areas and it usually contains only a thin layer of fluid. When there are at least four teaspoons of fluid in this pleural space, it is called pleural fusion. In the U.S., over 1.5 million people each year experience a pleural effusion. Many things can cause the fluid to build up. The fluid puts additional pressure on your lungs, making breathing difficult. To remove the excess fluid and figure out what is causing the buildup, doctors perform a “Thora’s”. Based on your underlying condition, your doctor may drain more or less fluid. Various diseases, like pneumonia, some forms of cancer, congestive heart failure, and many others, may result in excessive fluid accumulation (pleural effusion).

Common Reasons for Thoracentesis

Some uses for “Thora’s” includes:

  • Assist in relieving lung pressure
  • Treat symptoms like pain and shortness of breath
  • Finding the cause of excessive fluid in the pleural space
  • Ruling out an infection

Doctors can perform this procedure in offices, hospitals or imaging departments. Typically, imaging departments are favored because their ultrasound experts possess the equipment to correctly place the needle for drainage. Their sonographers generally handle all the setup and preparation required before procedures. So, when the patient is ready, the doctor can performs the procedure. The procedure also requires several clinical staff members. During “Thora’s”, the staff must manually position the patients on the table or bed. Manual handling of patients occurs throughout hospitals today. Similar to positioning patients for Thoracentesis, patients are also manually positioned for procedures like, spinal blocks and epidurals, not to mention all of the repositioning and turning of patients.  This has put strain on the health of RN’s, LVN’s, CNA’s, transport staff and anyone involved in direct patient care.  The risk of injury to nurses have increased over the years as patients continue to get heavier and our nursing population ages.

How the Procedure is Performed

In the past patients were positioned manually for Thoracentesis. Staff would have the patient sit comfortably on a bed or chair withImprove Patient Comfort and Staff Safety with SPH Medical's EPD their arms and heads leaning forward relaxed on a table. Usually, an LPN, nurse, or sonographer would help the patient in getting into the preferred position by maneuvering a bedside table and supporting the patient with a stool. It is possible to stack pillows on the table so the patient can lean forward in comfort. Unfortunately, many bedside tables have no locking mechanism, and they can tip over easily. Positioning the patient in a risky manner like using unstable tables with pillows is not beneficial to the medical staff or patients, and may result in a nursing injury. Even though studies show it takes on average 10 to 15 minutes to perform Thora’s. This old fashioned manual positioning simply puts patients and nursing staff at risk for injury. Several studies have shown that all levels of clinical and nursing staff are at risk for musculoskeletal disorders due to the high frequency of recurring manual patient handling tasks. However, in the past decade, the healthcare industry has made significant progress in reducing hospital and nursing injury risks by implementing evidence based Safe Patient Handling programs. With safe patient Handling and mobility devices, caregiver safety and quality of care can be enhanced.

Safe Patient Handling

Manual patient handling is a leading cause of nurse injuries. As a result, several states now require hospitals to follow Patient Handling laws. Each inpatient unit must be evaluated for high-risk tasks including lifting, pulling, pushing, or prolonged static holds, and ways to minimize the risks. Over the past two decades, patient care has advanced significantly, including many safe patient handling strategies and new technology like the Epidural Positioning Device (EPD). Also known as epidural chair, this device is effective at reducing injuries during spinal blocks, epidurals, and thoracentesis.

Epidural Positioning Device

The Epidural Positioning Device is a device used to position patients properly and comfortably by enabling the ideal spinal flexion of their thoracic, cervical, and lumbar areas while maintaining a stable and solid position. Supports for the chest, arms, and head can be manually adjusted to fit a variety of body types and sizes, and the back stays still during epidural insertion. The Epidural Chair is the best option for use in delivery suites, operating rooms, pain centers, and other areas where epidurals and spinal block are administered. The base of the EPD is known as the LDS base and features a height adjustable foot support for assisting with patient positioning and providing comfort. In addition, it includes a mount for the EPD, the upper section that is also height adjustable and includes the arm rests, chest support and face rest cushion. The upper section of the EPD can be attached via universal clamps to an operating table and adjusted in a similar manner.

2 min kill of pathogens using Oxydiff
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Cost of Hospital Acquired Infections

by sphmedicaladmin

Despite having a reputation for being one of the most sterile places one could ever visit, hospitals can sometimes be a breeding ground for infections. And this unsettling reality is well documented in multiple studies, one of which comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study revealed an estimated 1.7 million hospital patients develop a hospital-acquired infection every year in the U.S. These infections are byproducts of viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. And these pathogens can cause bloodstream infections (BSIs), pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and surgical site infections (SSIs). But it does not end there; these pathogens can also increase a hospital patient’s chances of developing C. diff. For this very reason, SPH Medical encourages all hospitals to make OXYdiff their go-to hard surface disinfection product.

Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAI’s): What You May Not Have Known About  C. Diff

It is no surprise that patients sometimes develop infections while in a hospital, but what is surprising, however, is some infections are far more common than others, one of them being C. diff. Also known as Clostridioides difficile or C. difficile, C. diff is a hospital-acquired infection that causes severe diarrhea and increases a patient’s chances of developing colitis. C. diff accounts for roughly 200,000 of the 1.7 million hospital-acquired infections recorded each year, and the annual cost of treating them is over $6.3 billion. Along with diarrhea and an inflamed colon, which goes hand-in-hand with colitis, C. diff can cause the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Stomach tenderness or pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea

Why Is C. Diff So Common in Hospitals?

Studies show that C. diff is a bacterium that enters the body through the mouth. Individuals with C. diff often shed spores, which generally make their way onto surfaces throughout the hospital. If those surfaces do not undergo proper sanitizing, anyone who touches them and then touches their mouth with the same hand can develop C. diff themselves. For this very reason, SPH Medical encourages all hospitals to make OXYdiff, a broad-spectrum disinfectant approved by the U.S. Environment Protection (EPA) to kill C. diff, MRSA, and other harmful infections, their go-to hard surface disinfection product.

Choosing the Right Sanitizing Product Matters More Than You Might Think

When it comes to professional-grade sanitizers, some are just better than others. With a 2 min kill time for destroying C. diff spores and their associated pathogens, OXYdiff is a prime example of one of the better ones, surpassing even professional-grade bleach as it is non-corrosive. And you don’t have to wear protective equipment when handling it either.

What Does It Mean to Be on the EPA’s Emerging Pathogens Approval List?

The EPA awards what are known as emerging viral pathogen claims to products that have demonstrated an ability to kill hard-to-kill viruses based on previous EPA-approved claims, one of which is COVID-19. Because OXYdiff recently received this distinctive honor, the EPA, without pushing for additional testing, approved the sanitizer for killing COVID-19. In response, many hospitals nationwide have made it their sanitizer of choice.

Bottom Line

All in all, OXYdiff is a professional-grade sanitizer that safeguards the lives of patients while lowering the cost associated with keeping hospitals free of germs, viruses, and spore-forming bacteria. For more information regarding how this EPA approved, powerful sanitizer, comprising a patented no rinse no wipe solution, can benefit your hospital, consider contacting SPH Medical today.

Nitrile Exam Glove Testing 2021
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Supply Update for N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves

by sphmedicaladmin

N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves are vital materials for ensuring the safety of healthcare personnel, first responders, and the general public. We are seeing an increase in the use of these essential supplies here in the United States and abroad. What are the trends and availability for Nitrile Exam Gloves and NIOSH Certified N95 Masks in the future? Will there be adequate supply in the future? Or will we continue to see shortage, hoarding of supplies, and price spikes?

What are the trends here in the US?

The trend towards increased use of Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks is happening here in the US. This is likely due to the increasing awareness of the dangers of exposure to infectious diseases. And with the rise of incidents like the SarsCov2, the ever evolving new variants, and other pathogens it’s no wonder that in addition to our healthcare workers the general public are looking for ways to protect themselves.

But will this trend continue?

Experts believe that the awareness that Covid-19 has created about respiratory protection and surface disinfection has created a newSafety and Protection | SPH Medical trend towards personal protection. Prior to the pandemic, the NIOSH certified N95 Mask was always available and never in short supply. The global demand is currently being addressed and despite the supply chain traffic of container ships on our coastline, we are able to get these essential supplies to hospitals and those who need them. The prices have come back down to reasonable levels. When considering which N95 Mask to purchase it is always important that every individual is fit tested to ensure that they have a mask that fits properly without leakage. Hospitals have been doing fit testing for all their employees, thousands of them, and it is very time consuming. If there is a disruption in the supply chain and the hospital can’t access the specific types of masks that have been fitted to their employees they typically look for alternate sources to find these essential supplies. The NIOSH certified N95 mask has become one of the most important pieces of protective equipment for healthcare workers filtering out at least 95% of all particles, including those as small as 0.03 microns in size.

Nitrile Exam Gloves Protect Doctors and NursesNitrile Exam Gloves are the standard of care in hospitals and have been for decades. There are many manufacturers of FDA approved Nitrile Exam Grade gloves for hospitals but most of them are in South East Asia. Countries like Malaysia have access to the raw materials required to make Nitrile gloves and also have existing factories that produce tens of millions of gloves per month. Due to the high labor cost here in the us, high cost of setting up production facilities, and need to import the raw materials, we can expect to see global production of Nitrile Exam gloves remain offshore for some time.

N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves Testing

There are a number of different levels of tests that are performed on Exam Gloves to determine their resistance to breakage, leaks, puncture, and chemical resistance. Gloves often chosen for their strength, durability, and tactile sensitivity. Nitrile Exam Grade gloves also offer good protection against a variety of chemicals, including Chemotherapy Drugs and Fentanyl Citrate, when tested appropriately. The box for any product tested against Chemo Drugs should list the drugs that have been tested and the resistance time.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Mask are created equal. Make sure to do your research before purchasing these items to find the ones that are right for you.

Makrite N95 Masks are a great choice to protect you from hazardous particles. With an efficiency of 95% or more against non-oil based particles, the Makrite catalog of NIOSH Certified masks provides a wide variety of shapes and styles to fit any facial morphology.

These are essential items for frontline caregivers and first responders everywhere. SPH Medical is a trusted source and a global distributor for Makrite Industries and a direct importer with a documented chain of custody for all masks direct from the factory.

The future of N95 mask technology is evolving with direct customer feedback channeled to the Research and Development team at Makrite. New mask styles for comfort, fit, and performance are in development and final approval stages. We can expect to see several new mask styles released this year added to an already impressive catalog of disposable respirators that serve the entire globe.

Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks are two essential supplies that are now more essential than ever as the market for these products has expended to literally everyone in the world.

The Future of N95 MasksSPH Medical Delivers Surgical N95 Respirators

  • The new designs will offer a variety of fit options
  • They are also more comfortable to wear for long periods of time
  • There are more surgical N95 mask options that offer documented fluid resistance

The future of N95 Mask technology and performance is being redefined by Makrite and SPH Medical.

SPH Medical has over 10 years of experience in supplying healthcare safety products, and is are committed to meeting the needs of our customers. As a strategic sourcing supplier for health systems across all 50 states, hospitals contact SPH Medical when they need essential supplies urgently or on a consistent monthly basis.

SPH Medical provides reliable and secure access to the latest products and technology available to protect our caregivers.

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