Question

why plastic is preferred in health care industry over glassware

Answer 1

1)      Fewer Infections

Antimicrobial plastic is helping stop the spread of diseases in hospitals all around the world. It can repel or even kill bacteria on surfaces that doctors and patients regularly touch, preventing infections. Antimicrobial plastics can even kill bacteria when surfaces aren’t cleaned on a regular basis. This innovative new technology is in its infancy but it has the potential to help medical professionals and patients stay healthy longer.

2)      New Medical Devices

Plastics are allowing engineers, doctors and other medical practitioners to develop new medical devices that improve patients’ lives. Whether it's enhanced pacemakers, joint replacement devices, or stents, plastics are enhancing the quality of care patients receive. Also, plastics are being used to replace metal instruments and medical devices, because plastics can be molded into more intricate shapes and come with a lower cost of production. Plastic components are a viable alternative to metallic parts and devices that can wear out prematurely and cause patients discomfort or pain.

3)      Cost Savings

Sterile and re-usable plastics are saving various stakeholders in the medical industry money, from the manufacturers of medical devices all the way to patients in hospitals. Plastic devices are cheaper to produce and easier to replace.  The savings are benefiting everyone involved in the patient care cycle. This is especially true in the case of re-usable plastics, which have longer useful lives compared to single-use metal devices, or other medical products made from lesser materials.

4)      Environmental Protection

Sustainable medical practices are growing and re-usable plastics are keeping hazardous materials out of landfills, protecting the environment. Plastics are also keeping medical devices and instruments in service longer and, in some instances, are reducing the number of product failures attributable to corrosion. While metallic devices wear out due to friction and organics interfering with their functionality, plastics can withstand tough stresses and last longer, due to their structural integrity and malleability. This translates to a more eco-friendly approach to medicine.

5)      Increased Comfort & Safety

Some patients are allergic to metal medical devices, making it difficult for them to receive the proper treatment and care. For instance, sometimes the metal parts in hip replacement devices can result in skin agitation, allergic reactions and extreme pain and discomfort when attempting to walk. Sterile, hypo-allergenic plastics with strong structural integrity have the power to replace metal parts in hip replacement devices, making it possible for patients to undergo treatment and live healthier lives. 

6)      Better Containers

When it comes to preserving medications, specimens and other important materials, manufacturers and medical practitioners alike need strong, chemically inertcontainers.  Sterile plastics are replacing metal or glass containers, because many plastics are capable of resisting some of the most hazardous substances on earth. Also, plastics do not shatter like glass, which makes it generally safer for use with hazardous materials and important specimens. Plastics are also good for creating packaging and protective coatings, which can help preserve the integrity of other materials.

 

Plastic components are helping patients live healthier, happier lives, while passing along cost-savings to various stakeholders in the medical industry. As healthcare continues to evolve, so too will the applications of high-quality plastics in healthcare facilities.