Medical & Surgical Equipment - What You Need To Know

Medical Instruments Are Used To Maintain And Save Lives

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines medical instruments as various types of objects (instrument, apparatus, machine) that is used on humans for medical purposes which may include diagnosis, therapy or surgery. Healthcare professionals use these devices in order to effectively treat patients. With the rising cost of healthcare, many medical facilities opt to purchase used equipment such as medical surgical instruments or used laboratory equipment. Most can realize a savings of at least 50%, compared to purchasing new equipment. The balance between saving money and providing quality care is important for these facilities to remain in compliance with laws and regulations that govern the healthcare industry.

Medical instruments are recognized in different classes which are based on the design complexity, use characteristics and the potential for harm because of misuse. Class I instruments are the least harmful to patients and include tongue depressors, bedpans, hand-held dental instruments, examination gloves, and surgical instruments. Some medical surgical instruments fit into this classification. For example, suction tips are used during surgery to remove bodily fluids. These would be disposed after use in order to avoid cross contamination or the spread of infection.

Class II devices such as surgical needles, infusion pumps, x-ray machines and suture material are all medical instruments that have special label requirements and mandatory performance standards. Therefore, if a medical facility decided to purchase used laboratory equipment from this category, it is important that they ensure the vendor has refurbished the equipment to meet these standards before selling. Warranty and service programs will help to secure the facility’s investment. The same applies to dental lab equipment. The daily functions in dental laboratories require that current and reliable equipment is used.

Medical instruments that are considered Class III place a heavy importance on safety and effectiveness. This does not mean that instruments in the other categories are not important, but Class III is generally used for life-support or life-sustaining situations. In this case, purchasing used equipment, or even acquiring a medical equipment leasing contract might not be in the best interest of the medical facility. Cutting back on operational costs is one thing; settling a lawsuit because of equipment malfunction is another. Any savings realized will be lost in the settlement.