UV light disinfection systems are quickly becoming a new frontier in sanitation practices. Health and safety are on the forefront of everyone’s minds these days. We have all seen just how quickly COVID-19 spread across the world – and we know that one of the best ways to stop it from spreading is to disinfect surfaces.

Currently, there are many limitations to common sanitation practices, especially in areas where large numbers of people gather, like hospitals, schools, offices, etc.

Thankfully, there is a far-reaching solution: UV light air purification systems.

What is UV-C?

The disinfecting properties of UV-C light were studied as far back as 1845². It was first observed to kill microorganisms in isolated test tubes in 1877.

In the 1930s and 40s, UV light was used to prevent the spread of measles.

UV-C germicidal lamps were used in hospital air purifier systems³ as far back as the 1930s. UV light disinfection systems became much more common after World War II – as they were introduced in kitchens, processing plants, and pharmaceutical laboratories.

In the 1980s, scientists used it to kill tuberculosis organisms.

UV-C is the type of light rays used to sanitize the air. You may be familiar with UV-A and UV-B rays, since these are what typically cause sunburns and UV radiation. UV-C rays are not able to penetrate the skin and pose no danger to humans – but will kill microbes.

UV-C rays make up electromagnetic radiation, which is commonly used in x-rays. UV-A and UV-B rays also produce light, whereas UV-C rays do not produce light that is visible to the human eye.

UV disinfection technology has improved drastically throughout the years – most recently with the integration with LED light systems. Before, UV disinfection lights could only be run in empty rooms that were sealed off from human contact. While these lights were certainly effective at sanitization, the rooms would be unsterilized as soon as people entered and the system would turn off.

Now – the latest UV-C sanitization methods are combined with LED lights and operate as continuous purification systems, while keeping rooms both well-lit and sanitary. This means that it can be used 24/7, especially in areas where germs can be spread easily – like hospital rooms, schools, or office spaces.

How Does a UV Light Air Purification System Work?

The microbes in the air must come into contact with UV-C rays for the disinfection process to work. UV light air purification systems use fans to draw in non-sanitized air. This air is then circulated through filters to catch any large particles of dust so only microbes, fungi, and airborne bacteria enter into the purification system.

This air then enters into a chamber with a high intensity UV-C lamp – which emits wavelengths that kill or immobilize airborne pathogens. Clean air is dispelled back into the room on the other side of the system.

Government Standards for UV Light Disinfection

The FDA has instituted several regulations for UV light disinfection and air purifiers. The organization recently released an enforcement policy⁴ for devices in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. In order for a UV light air purification system to be approved by the government for use in public spaces, it must:

• Meet purification specifications and demonstrate effectiveness at removing specified particles
• Must emit no more than the maximum acceptable level of ozone⁵
• Pose no health risks with air flow emission or cause any potential site contamination

Any UV light air purification on the market must meet these standards.

The UV24 system not only meets these FDA standards, but it was also tested thoroughly by the Bovie Medical scientific research center. The report states that this system exhibited “superior performance⁶” for “high levels of air disinfection.”

Does UV Light Kill Bacteria?

UV rays have the ability to kill microorganisms (like bacteria) by altering the DNA within the nucleic acid cells. This prevents the cell from growing or reproducing, rendering it inactive. UV-C are the only types of UV rays with the ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Since these organisms can survive in the air, UV-C light can be used to kill airborne pathogens. However, the air and surfaces within a room can quickly become re-infected as new bacteria or viruses are brought in from other locations.

Continuous UV light air purification systems circulate the air through the filtration device and into a chamber with concentrated UV-C lights. This means that the air is constantly being moved around and re-sanitized.  

The Bovie UV24 Continuous UV-C air purification system – one of the leading UV light disinfection systems – is comprised of four main parts:

• UV24 Unit
• UV-C lamp
• MERV 6 filters
• LED lamps

The UV24 unit is what holds all of the filters and lamps together, and it is designed to be installed in the ceiling with brackets.

They appear to look like typical fluorescent light fixtures, with ventilated openings on either side.

The UV-C lamp is inside of the unit so no harmful UV rays are emitted. This creates an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) chamber that air is circulated through and disinfected.

There are also four MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) 6 filters inside of the system. These filters prevent larger particles of dust, pollen, or mold spores from entering into the UVGI chamber so only bacteria, fungi, and viruses go in.

Since UV-C rays are not visible to the human eye, the UV24 system also has an LED light installed on the exterior portion of the system. This is so they can be installed into rooms and used as a light source.

The Bovie UV24 Continuous UV-C air purification system can sanitize 50 cubic feet every minute. Just one system can purify the air in a 10’x 10’ x 8’ room four times every hour!

How Effective is UV Light Disinfection?

While UV-C light itself is proven to kill microbes, some UV light sanitization systems are more effective than others.

The Bovid UV24 Continuous air purification system has undergone thorough testing to measure the system’s effectiveness at killing different types of microbes and viruses.

According to the published report from Medical Illumination and NUVO, the UV24 air purification system removed 99 percent⁷ of all airborne pathogens – and it removed 100% of coronavirus microbes from the air.

There are several factors that can influence the level of disinfection. For instance, the dosage level of the UV-C light, how long pollutants are exposed, and the material of the bulb emitting UV-C all play a role in the process. This is why some UV light disinfection systems are more effective than others.

Effect on Allergens

UV air purifiers cannot remove all allergens within the air, nor is it able to eradicate chemical fumes or gases, as these are unaffected by UV radiation. However, UV purification systems do help to reduce the amount of allergens within the air, which improves the air quality⁸ and can help allergy sufferers to breathe better.

Effect on Micro-organisms

Micro-organisms (also called microbes) are microscopic organisms, which include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Most micro-organisms are made up of just one cell or a small colony of cells. If these cells come into contact with a highly-concentrated dosage of UV-C radiation, they can be destroyed.

Some micro-organisms require longer periods of exposure than others. Some bacteria, viruses, and fungi tend to be more effected by UV radiation, while others (such as mold spores) can be harder to eradicate. This is why using a continuous system is the best option, since micro-organisms can be repeatedly exposed.

For example, the performance report on the Bovie UV24 system found that it was able to remove Staphylococcus bacteria from the air over a period of 24 hours. However, you can see there was a steep drop in the presence of bacteria within the first hour until it was completely removed over time.

What are the Benefits of a UV Light Disinfection System?

The main benefit of a UV light air purification system is that it can reduce the spread of diseases and continuously purify the air we breathe.

Since UV-C is proven to effectively kill over 99% of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, this is one of the best systems for air sanitization.

Reduces Settling Contaminants

Continuous UV light disinfection systems work around the clock clearing harmful bacteria from the air. As a result, this significantly reduces the pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that settle on surfaces – like tables, chairs, door knobs, furniture, and other areas that people have direct contact with. 

Harmful bacteria, pathogens, and viruses – like COVID-19 – can survive on surfaces for days depending on the material.

According to WebMD⁹, the novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces for multiple days:

• Metal (doorknobs, jewelry, silverware): five days
• Wood (tables, decking): four days
• Plastic (bus seats, milk containers, elevator buttons): two to three days
• Stainless steel: Refrigerators, pots and pans, sinks) two to three days
• Cardboard (shipping boxes): one day
• Copper (pennies, cookware): four hours
• Aluminum (Soda cans, foil): two to eight hours
• Glass (drinking glasses, mirrors, windows) five days
• Ceramics (dishes, mugs, pots): five days
• Paper: a few minutes to five days

UV light disinfection can do wonders to eliminate contamination before it has the chance to settle.

Improves Air Quality and Odor Elimination

UV air purification systems work to effectively remove larger particles in the air, like dust, pollen, dander, and dirt. In addition to causing an odor, this can irritate people’s lungs and have an effect on their overall health.

By using a continuous air filtration system, most of these particles can be removed from the air, improving the quality and making it safer to breathe.

Improves Respiratory Health

Once a virus, bacterial cell, or other pathogen enters the body through an air passage, it can start to grow within the host and potentially make that person ill. COVID-19, for example, can pass through the air and do severe damage to a person’s lungs and respiratory system once it enters the body.

Having a continuous UV-C air sanitizing system that can remove and kill these dangerous pathogens from the air makes any establishment a much safer place – particularly for people who are vulnerable to diseases or immunocompromised.

Businesses and public spaces can use continuous UV-C purification systems to reduce the spread of diseases and create a safe, sanitized space for people to congregate in.

People will be more aware than ever of bacteria, pathogens, and of course, viruses in the future. UV light disinfection will be extremely beneficial for businesses as they re-open post-pandemic. This could also help to eventually eliminate the need for people to wear facemasks in public places.

Easy Upkeep

UV light disinfection systems are extremely easy to operate after installation. The UV24 light is designed to function around the clock and only needs to be changed once a year. It is recommended to check the unit from time-to-time (quarterly) to ensure it’s working properly. All you need to do for this is turn off the UV lamp and check the indicator light.

How Much Does a UV Light Disinfection System Cost?

UV light sanitization systems can involve many factors – based on the building. Obviously, a commercial air purifier system is going to be a much bigger investment than that of a house or small business.

Furthermore, the quality of the materials (particularly of the UV-C light) impacts the effectiveness of the purification system. Regardless, the best air purification systems are a serious investment, but a very smart one.

One single UV24 light purification system can sanitize a space that is 10’ x 10’ x 10’ every 15 minutes. For rooms that are larger or need thorough sanitization (such as a surgical room), bigger systems may be needed.

For instance, a small room within a doctor’s office may need only one or two lights to fully clean the space. In order to effectively sanitize a large space (such as a waiting room, gym, or office space) several UV light sanitizers will be needed.

The pricing of the system also depends on the model that is installed.

1. If you choose to install a sanitization system without a light, the cost is $1,450 per unit.
2. There is a mid-range option with florescent bulbs, which are $1,525 per unit.
3. The most expensive LED light version is $1,950 per unit.

There is also a cost associated with installation, which will vary depending on the number of systems and labor required. Thankfully, these systems are fairly easy to install, so a basic electrician can handle the installation without any issues.

It is very important to understand the long-term benefits of installing a UV light sanitization system – particularly post-pandemic. These systems are operational right away, and only take a few hours to several days to install. If set up correctly, they will provide years of comfort and safety.

Customers and employees are nervous these days to enter businesses and people are scared to go into hospitals because of the risk of encountering a dangerous situation. If a building has a UV-C light filtration system in place, then it creates a much safer environment for customers, employees, or patients.

Who Stands to Benefit from UV Light Disinfection?

Everyone is vulnerable to pathogens – and some viruses (like COVID-19) can be deadly. Therefore, every single person can benefit from the use of UV light disinfection – as it will protect them from coming into contact with harmful bacteria and viruses.

Businesses and other establishments stand to benefit, too. Many companies and organizations like schools, theaters, and offices need to assure to the public that their locations are safe to enter. By using UV-C light sanitization systems, people can rest assured that these locations are safe and sanitary.

It’s a safe bet that people will be wary of entering buildings in general post-pandemic. Businesses can use this to their advantage and promote UV light disinfection systems for marketing purposes. Highlighting the fact that a business cleans the air 24/7 is a huge competitive advantage to put customers at ease.

Applications for UV light systems

In the past, UV light sanitization systems could only be used in unoccupied rooms. However, the Bovie UV24 is designed to be used continuously and is safe for running in rooms filled with people. This system has an optional LED light, so it can be installed in the ceiling of a room and provide a bright light source while filtering the air.

The UV24 can be installed in places where large numbers of people tend to congregate and where germs can be easily spread through the air. This includes (but is not limited to):

• Hospital rooms and hallways
• Waiting rooms
• Surgical rooms
• Nursing homes and assisted living homes
• ICU wings
• Dental offices
• Labs
• Restaurants
• Working Offices
• Retail locations
• Malls
• Grocery stores
• Bars
• Schools
• Oral surgery rooms
• Periodontist offices
• Endodontists offices
• Pediatrician offices
• Physician offices
• Physical Therapy offices

Maintenance: How to Maximize the Use of UV Light for Disinfection

Proper upkeep and maintenance are necessary to keep a UV light cleanser system running effectively. First, it is important that the system is mounted correctly – so be sure to refer to an installation guide¹⁰.

The Bovie UV24 system is designed to fit above the ceiling frame. An opening may need to be cut in order to fit the system properly. The power should also be shut off during installation and proper eye protection should be worn for safety purposes.

Over time, the UV lamp or MERV 6 filter will need to be replaced to improve the effectiveness of the sanitization system.

In order to replace the UV lamp, the cover for the UV chamber must be properly removed. There is a lock bar and four latches on the fixture that must be released to expose the UV chamber. The light must then be carefully removed by pulling on the metal sockets on either end. It is important that the glass portion of the light is not touched, as the glass can be easily scratched or damaged – compromising the effectiveness.

New UV lamps can be easily installed by proper insertion back into the UV chamber.

MERV 6 filters should also be replaced regularly in order to efficiently remove larger particles within the air. Eye wear protection is also recommended and filters must be disposed of properly as it contains hazardous waste materials.

To replace the filter, the door latches on the sides of the UV24 system must be opened. The filter slides out and a new filter can be installed in the same slot.

Your ability to maximize the use of a UV light disinfection system comes down to proper installation practices and maintenance. It never hurts to have a professional handle this task for you.

Future Outlook

For people to safely return to public spaces, new cleanliness guidelines will need to be put into place to prevent pandemics like the coronavirus from occurring again. Already, scientists and experts are predicting¹¹ that businesses, schools, hospitals, and other gathering places will need to change their sanitization procedures post-pandemic.

Don Gilpen, president and CEO of the International Facility Management Association stated:

“There’s going to be a special effort to consider and think about every possible place within the built environment that a human being has touched and the possibility of that being a source of contamination.”

Experts recommend that buildings install high-quality air filtration systems and sanitize hard surfaces frequently to suppress the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Plain and simple, the future will almost certainly involve significantly stricter guidelines on sanitation worldwide. Utilizing a continuous UV light disinfection system can do wonders to create a far safer environment for everyone.

FAQs

How long does it take for UV lights to sterilize the air?

The time that it takes a UV-C light to kill micro-organisms depends on the intensity of the light as well as the proximity that it has to the pathogens. Since the UV24 system is compact, micro-organisms come into close contact with the UV-C lamp and can be killed quite quickly. Moreover, the filtration system is running constantly. This means the particles can be exposed multiple times until they are completely destroyed.

Are UV light disinfection systems safe for use around children, animals, or sick people?

Yes. UV-C sanitization lights are 100% safe for use in occupied rooms. The radiation from the lamp does not escape the UVGI chamber. As long as the system is properly installed and being used as directed, it is safe for all people (and animals) to be around.

Do UV sterilization systems make any noise?

Not really. There may be a slight humming noise from the fans within the system, but it is very quiet and often unnoticeable.

What do I do if my UV light breaks or stops working?

If you need any assistance with your Bovie UV24 system, you can contact the Medical Illumination trouble shooting assistance team by calling 1-800-831-1222. If you simply need to replace parts, such as the LED light or filter, you can contact a team member at PST Shop to order the correct item replacement part.

What safety precautions must be taken when using a UV sterilization system?

UV light air purification systems must be installed correctly to ensure the upmost safety and efficiency. The system must be properly reinforced within the ceiling and the lamps, bulbs, and filters must be installed correctly.

It is recommended to wear gloves and eye wear protection when cleaning the system or replacing any pieces. Prolonged exposure to direct UV-C light can cause irritation to the skin or eyes and should be avoided. However, UV-C does not produce radiation that is dangerous to humans.

Conclusion

The air we breathe every day is full of potentially dangerous pathogens and molecules that can affect our health. COVID-19 is just one example of how quickly viruses can spread across the globe. In the wake of the pandemic, air sanitization will be more important than ever before.

UV light disinfection is one of the most effective ways to eradicate 99% of the bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the air. It is also necessary for these systems to be running continuously so these areas do not become re-infected. With previous UV light sterilization systems, this was simply not possible – until now.

The Bovie UV24 is proven to be highly effective at removing pathogens from the air through filtration and UV-C light disinfection. It can be run continuously in any room to ensure that clean, germ-free air is constantly flowing – creating a truly safe and sterile environment.

If you have any further questions regarding UV light disinfection systems or would like to purchase a system for your business or home, please reach out to us at PST Shop. We would be happy to help you in any way possible!

With this in mind, this article covers the essentials on how to help prevent the spread of diseases, when to use medical face masks, and what to do if you feel sick.

Does Wearing a Face Mask Prevent the Spread of Illness?

Diseases can be transmitted in many different ways. Some can be transmitted by airborne particulates. Some can be transmitted by contact with saliva or blood. Some can be transmitted by contact with skin or mucus.

In order to understand whether a surgical face mask will help you avoid getting sick, it is important to know the nature of the disease that you are avoiding. In the case of the coronavirus, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the virus is spread when a person touches “a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.” This means that if you are healthy and can avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes, it is likely that you do not need to wear a surgical face mask.

However, if you have any unconscious habits, such as biting your nails, wiping your nose, or rubbing your eyes, it may be recommended to find some method of combating those tendencies. For example, try working with a stress ball, fidget spinner, or some other object that can keep your hands busy. (Make sure that the object can be disinfected regularly as well.) You can also try wearing wool or nubby fingerless gloves to make sensory touching uncomfortable, and remind yourself to avoid it.

Wearing a surgical mask will not help you avoid catching the coronavirus or other diseases like influenza, but it may help to remind you not to touch your face, which is the primary way that the virus spreads.

When Should You Wear a Face Mask?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following guidelines on when or when not to wear a medical face mask:

• If you are healthy, do not wear a face mask if you just want to avoid getting sick. This deprives medical officials of getting the supplies they need. Do wear a face mask if you are taking care of a person suspected of infection with 2019-nCoV.
• If you don’t know if you are healthy, consider wearing a face mask if you are coughing or sneezing in public. Otherwise, refer to the section below on Steps You Should Take to Avoid Getting Sick.
• If you are sick, please minimize contact with public areas and find a doctor or hospital as soon as possible. If you absolutely must go out in public, wearing a surgical face mask will help prevent the spread of disease.

It is important to remember that masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Make sure to sanitize your hands after removing a used face mask.

The Best Surgical Face Masks

PST Shop stocks a variety of face masks for medical and surgical use. But which is the best surgical face mask for staying healthy?

Simple earloop masks are popular with dentists because they are hypoallergenic and fluid resistant, meaning that they reduce the chances of exposure to blood or other bodily fluids.

Molded masks are ergonomically designed to fit around your mouth and nose, meaning that there is less of a chance of contact with airborne particulates. Molded surgical face masks also reduce the risk of exposure to bodily fluids such as blood or saliva.

Surgical masks with shields are primarily designed for procedures with moderate to heavy amounts of blood, fluid, spray and/or aerosol exposure.

N95 respirators help prevent the transmission of airborne diseases and should be used in circumstances where it is not healthy to breathe the air around you. Type N95 Respirators provide maximum barrier filtration and are 95% efficient against particulate aerosols free of oil.

How to Properly Wear a Face Mask

Before putting on a surgical face mask, make sure to clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or with soap and water. Once your hands are clean, pick up the face mask from the sides or straps and wrap it around your face. Take a minute to make sure that the mask covers your nose and mouth and that there are no gaps between your face and the surgical mask. You are now ready to go about your day.

As an important reminder, single-use face masks are not designed to hold up for long periods of time and cannot be reused. If your face mask becomes damp, please replace it as soon as possible.

When removing your surgical face mask, do not touch the front of the mask. Remove it from behind and discard it into a trashcan or closed bin. Make sure to wash and sanitize your hands again.

Steps You Should Take to Avoid Getting Sick

1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or with a sanitizing, alcohol-based rub.
2. Avoid touching your face, including your mouth, nose or eyes.
3. Limit travel in public areas and avoid person-to-person contact with sick people.
4. Do what you can to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting the recommended 8 hours or sleep per day, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly.
5. If you feel unwell with mild symptoms, such as headache or nausea, consider staying at home until you feel better. If symptoms worsen, go to a hospital and get tested.

Types of Doctor Office Furniture

Waiting Room Furniture

One often overlooked consideration for waiting room furniture is how comforting it is for patients and loved ones. Furniture should be comfortable and inviting; avoid falling into the trap of forgetting this point and ending up with an intimidating and uncomfortable environment.

So how do you create this comfortable space? That depends on your practice. Do you work with children often? Consider a designated children's’ waiting area with smaller furniture and a bookshelf for books. Are you a dentist who often sees patients come in with anxiety about their upcoming visit? Try incorporating calming elements like plants, artwork, and a more open floor plan.

Let your patients’ common needs guide you, and you’ll surely end up with a room that is welcoming to new patients and considerate of common pain points.

Exam Room Furniture

For obvious reasons, choosing exam room furniture requires a few extra considerations when compared to waiting room furniture.

Not only do you want to consider making your exam room as comfortable as possible, you’ll also want to choose healthcare furnishings that make it easy to follow protocols and keep patients healthy.

Exam rooms typically see a lot of patients going in and out on a regular basis, so you should think about the ease of turnover when it comes to your furniture. Choose antimicrobial fabrics, and add cleaning and storage solutions for frequently used medical instruments. The quicker you can clean up after the last patients, the sooner you can help the next one.

Healthcare Furniture: Features to Consider

Patient Comfort/Ergonomics

Patient comfort isn’t just about creating a warm and soothing environment; you’ll need to make sure individual pieces of furniture are comfortable as well. Consider the many shapes and sizes of patients you may see; do you have the right furniture to accommodate their needs? For example, larger chairs may be needed for heavier patients, or you may want to look into specialty furniture that accommodates the needs of your patients with disabilities.

Durability

Nice furniture is great, but it’s not so great when it only lasts for a month. When purchasing your office’s next furniture package, look into the materials and manufacturers. Is everything easy to clean? Is it made with reliable, long-lasting materials? Also think about the rate of use in your practice. Will you need a strong piece of furniture meant to be used extensively, or could you opt for a less expensive option that won’t be used frequently?

Cost

Of course, we’d stock our practices with the highest-quality furniture available if we had unlimited funds. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, so we recommend starting by taking an inventory of your practice’s most pressing needs. Consider which furniture elements cover the most bases, and look for low-cost furniture options from a medical supply store.

The Balancing Act of Choosing Medical Furnishings

There are many factors to consider when you buy healthcare office furniture, and sometimes it’s a balancing act between patient needs, practitioner needs, and funding. Sometimes, the easiest way to get to a decision is by seeking input from those who will be using the furniture most. Ask your patients what they want and discuss common needs with your colleagues and staff. You may be surprised to learn that some expensive choices don’t add the value you anticipated or that an inexpensive upgrade could revolutionize your office.

Still struggling? Contact us today, and we’ll help guide you to the perfect medical office furniture for your practice, your patients, and you.

The dreaded doctor’s office visit, almost everyone has been there at some point.

Even the best doctors and medical facilities in the industry can’t make up for the time and money it costs patients to travel to appointments and treatments, especially those with chronic illnesses.

Since doctors appointments aren’t exactly high on the list of fun activities, it’s no wonder tech-savvy specialists are trying to minimize the number of such visits by creating new healthcare devices and technologies.

Today, medical equipment advancements are not only changing the efficiency of how hospitals and medical facilities operate but saving more lives through prevention and early detection. Over the past few years, patient monitoring has become the forefront of enhancing patient care and improving clinical performance all thanks to the advancement known as remote patient monitoring.

What Is a Patient Monitoring System?

When a patient has gone through surgery or is facing ongoing medical treatment, doctors and nurses use a number of different devices to help them evaluate and moderate a patient’s health. From stethoscopes and electrodes to patient monitors that track vital signs, there are hundreds of variations of patient moderation accessories and devices.

Patient monitoring systems monitor main vital signs such as pulse rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. In cardiology, patient monitors function to measure and record the electrical activity of the heart (known as ECG / EKG or electrocardiography).

What is Remote Patient Monitoring?

Remote patient monitoring (RMP) is the use of digital technology to monitor patients in “real time” outside of hospitals and medical facilities. This allows patients to be medically monitored from the comfort of their homes instead of frequenting a doctor’s office. Remote patient monitoring falls under the umbrella term “telehealth.” Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care. Telehealth technologies include videoconferencing, internet, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and wireless communications.

While telehealth technologies such as RPM are advancing the way doctors connect with patients, it still poses some technical and practical problems for healthcare providers. Below we will discuss the pros and cons of remote patient monitoring.

Remote Patient Monitoring Benefits

Real Time Patient Monitoring Information

Without a doubt, one of the biggest benefits of remote patient monitoring systems is the ability to provide doctors with real time information about their patients’ health.

For example, chronic conditions such as heart failure and diabetes require frequent doctor visits and communication between the patient and their healthcare provider. Often patient waiting times for appointments can take weeks, and in extreme cases, months.

With remote patient monitoring, routine tests are done with a mobile or implanted device which collects data about a patient's health activity, such as heart rate and vitals, and then automatically sends it to a hospital or doctor’s office on a set schedule.

Doctors can review and analyze their patients on an ongoing basis in order to make timely interventions and prioritize patient appointments as needed.

Provides Patients With More Flexibility

Those with chronic diseases can spend most of their time traveling back and forth to medical appointments and in and out of hospitals. This is not only mentally and physically draining for the patient but for families and caretakers as well. By using RPM, the time required at the doctor’s office is significantly reduced, improving a patient’s quality of life.

Patients can enjoy more quality time with their loved ones while still receiving proper health analysis.

Additionally, those patients who can’t travel due to health conditions or have no means of transport to medical facilities, are provided with a new way of being treated. RMP allows doctors to have a broader reach to those formerly difficult to treat patients.

Saves Time and Money

Remote patient monitoring is a valuable tool for delivering better outcomes and quality care at lower costs, saving money for both the patient and provider. Frequent monitoring can determine if an in-person visit or appointment is warranted ideally reducing the number of in-hospital device evaluations, hospital admissions, the length of stay per hospitalization, and follow-up office visits.

According to Robert Ford, Executive President of Medical Devices at Abbot, “Every year in the United States, approximately one million people are hospitalized with a diagnosis of heart failure — the leading cause of hospitalizations for adults aged 65 or older. The cost of treating heart failure in the U.S. is expected to reach $70 billion by 2030, from about $30 billion today. (However) much of this cost can be addressed by remote monitoring.”

For patients, the money spent on commuting to appointments and visit copays can also be reduced.

Cons of Remote Patient Monitoring

Threats to Confidentiality and Privacy

Since remote patient monitoring systems continually send medical information over the internet, the risk of confidentiality breaches are much higher. Patient information can be hacked and devices can be stolen from people’s homes.

Failure in maintaining cybersecurity and effectively dealing with cyber threats can not only result in medical devices getting compromised but also can result in data losses, integrity, and availability, which can lead to potential risks to patients’ lives.

Inaccessibility

Remote patient monitoring relies on strong broadband connectivity. For medical facilities and patients located in rural areas and those who don’t have a stable connection, RPM won’t be as accessible.

Furthermore, elderly patients may have trouble operating RMP technology such as a smartphones or patient monitoring devices.

Technical Training and Adoption of RPM

The cost, training, and adoption of a remote monitoring system could be a challenge for many healthcare providers to implement. Proper training for doctors, nurses, and IT staff on using the system is crucial to its ROI. Some staff members may be slow to adopt advanced technology.

Additionally, as the adoption of RPM systems become more prevalent in the industry, less medical appointments may cut down on the need for additional nurses and doctors. The future of RPM could have an effect on staffing and job opportunities.

It can’t be denied that remote patient monitoring provides huge benefits to both medical professionals and patients. Despite the cons, every year new advancements in RPM are improving overall patient care, and the challenges that exist today will continue to evolve and be rectified.

Remote patient monitoring is the way of the future as it empowers people of all ages to be more in control of their health — and, most importantly, their lives.

Autoclaves have become a standard piece of medical equipment found in most labs, dental and medical facilities today. But what is an autoclave and what is it used for? In this article we will not only detail the purpose and functionality of an autoclave, but the different types of autoclaves and sterilizers available.

What is an autoclave?

As you might imagine, a couple hundred years ago, sterilization of medical and surgical tools was not at its best. In the 1800s researchers started to understand that sterile surgery was important and they began to search for better sterilization methods. Thanks to a man named Charles Chamberland, in 1884, the first autoclave sterilizer was invented. Today the autoclave is a key medical device found in every hospital, dental office, and laboratory.

What is an autoclave used for?

In short, an autoclave is used to sterilize pharmaceutical, dental, lab, and medical equipment. They vary in size, shape, and functionality depending upon the needs of the user and the materials that require sterilization. An autoclave’s function is to sterilize liquids, solids, waste, and even biochemical hazards in safety labs.

At its basic function, an autoclave acts like a giant pressure cooker utilizing steam to kill the germs and bacteria that cleaning products or boiling water simply cannot. However, autoclaves outperform pressure cookers by creating extra autoclave pressure to raise the temperature of the water to above boiling point producing more heat effectively killing germs.

The other key to an autoclave is time. A lengthy high pressure steam sterilization is far more effective than a quick wash with detergent.

Why do autoclaves require steam?

Easily created and transferrable, steam is one of the most powerful methods of sterilization. However, not all steam is created equal. According to Tuttnauer, the optimal composition of steam within an autoclave is 3% liquid and 97% gas. Any change in the percentage of moisture increases or decreases sterilization time.

If the steam is too wet, its heat transfer efficiency is lowered and won’t properly sterilize wrapped tools or pouches. Additionally, the moisture created by the steam can corrode products over time and produce bacteria.

If the steam is too hot, it will turn the sterilizer into a dry heat sterilizer, this is known as superheated steam. Superheated steam is less efficient in killing germs and requires a longer sterilization process.

How do you use an autoclave?

Now that we understand what an autoclave is, we will discuss how they are used.

Autoclave chambers are where you load your materials and the sterilization process takes place. Once the chamber is sealed, a vacuum pump or the process of pumping in steam removes all of the air.

Sterilization Phase:

Steam is then pumped through the chamber until it reaches an above boiling point temperature, 121-140 celsius. Depending upon the size and power of the autoclave and the size of the load, sterilization times can vary between 3-20 minutes in order to properly kill microorganisms.

Cool Down Phase:

Once the sterilization process is completed, there is a cool down phase. Remember, an autoclave uses high pressure, high temperature steam so allowing a proper cool down period before opening is crucial. A sudden release of this pressure could result in a steam explosion and cause injury.

What can’t be sterilized in an autoclave?

While an autoclave is used to sterilize a wide variety of medical equipment and tools, there are some materials that you shouldn't put into an autoclave.

• Heat labile products
• Radioactive elements
• Volatile materials
• Chlorinated compounds
• Corrosive chemicals
• Articles contaminated with chemotherapeutic agents
• Certain plastics
• Articles that can be destroyed under the steam.

Types of Autoclaves

Autoclaves vary in size and shape depending upon the need of the clinician or facility. For example, smaller microwave sized automatic sterilizers and autoclaves are common in dental offices or medical facilities that don’t require large equipment sterilization. In hospitals, larger autoclaves, also known as horizontal autoclaves, are common. These larger autoclaves are meant to handle larger load sizes and equipment based on the needs of the hospital.

Horizontal or Downward Displacement Autoclave

In a Downward Displacement Autoclave, also known as a horizontal or gravity displacement unit, cold air escapes through the bottom of the chamber as steam displaces it from above.

This type of sterilizer uses a heating elements to heat up the water and produce steam. The steam then forces the air inside the sterilization chamber to move downward and eventually the air is forced out through the drain of the sterilization chamber. Once the temperature within the chamber is sufficient, the sterilization process begins.

Vacuum Assisted Autoclave

In a vacuum assisted autoclave, there is a vacuum pump to remove air from the sterilization chamber and steam is created in a second, separate chamber. Air is quickly forced out from the sterilizing chamber at the beginning of the cycle while steam pulses in creating a vacuum. This way, steam is able to penetrate materials very quickly. There is another vacuum within the autoclave that withdraws moisture after sterilization, allowing a quicker drying process.

Classification of Autoclaves

Autoclaves can be classified as a type “N” or type “B” unit. The main difference is type B autoclaves use a vacuum pump to remove air from the chamber and type N autoclaves don’t.

Type “B” autoclaves are best used for wrapped and hollow instruments such as products in pouches and textiles. A class B autoclave is able to provide more complete air removal before the sterilization process begins due to the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump allows better penetration of steam into difficult load types.

Type “N” autoclaves are best for solid, unwrapped instruments due to the method of air removal. This method uses steam to eliminate air, but depending upon the method used, complete air removal from hollow or porous materials isn’t as efficient as a type “B” autoclave.

How do you choose the best autoclave?

As we discussed above, not all autoclaves are the same, so how do you choose the best autoclave for your needs? Before you choose an autoclave, you first need to determine the following factors.

How large are the sterilization loads?

When considering an autoclave, the most important factor is to determine if it’s large enough to fit all of the materials you want to sterilize. You want to be sure you know the chamber dimensions, how it’s designed, and how many racks fit into the chamber. You should also find out what each cycle’s capacity is.

What type of materials need to be sterilized?

When discussing the difference between type “N” and type “B” autoclaves, the major difference is the type of materials in need of sterilization. Are your materials often prepackaged and hollow and porous or are they smaller and unwrapped? In order to make the best decision for your materials, you should understand the difference between gravity and vacuum autoclaves mentioned above.

How much space do I have for an autoclave?

Do you work in a small dental office with limited space or a hospital with a sufficient area for sterilization purposes? Autoclaves come in many shapes and sizes. The best autoclave should be sufficient enough to properly sterilize the materials you need without occupying more space than necessary.

Autoclave Maintenance and Technical Support

Due to the necessity of autoclaves, there are many suppliers and brands to choose from. An autoclave requires regular maintenance for safety and regulatory standards. Talk with potential suppliers and find out if they offer warranties and what their maintenance policy is. Do they offer technical support?

Certain parts of the autoclave need replacement from time to time such as chamber lid gaskets, you should double check pricing for these parts and the replacement policy put in place by your supplier.

So what is an autoclave and how does it work? We hope that this article not only answered these basic questions but explained the different types of autoclaves available, and the key factors that are most important for your business. Whether you operate a small lab, dental clinic, or large medical facility a good autoclave is key to providing the best services, procedures, and patient care possible.

Here at Predictable Surgical Technologies, we provide the best quality automatic autoclaves from top brands like Midmark and Tuttnauer. Many of our autoclaves come with a comprehensive 2 year parts and labor warranty and a 10 year chamber warranty. We also offer free shipping and provide outstanding customer service. 

It’s no secret that one of the biggest expenses in healthcare management is medical and surgical supplies. While  improving supply chain management systems can reduce costs, there is another step you can take to protect your investments.

Properly cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining your surgical supplies and medical equipment is the easiest way to ensure their utmost quality and a longer lifespan.

What Damages Surgical Supplies?

The number one enemy of surgical supplies is moisture. Moisture can be in the form of water, blood, pus, or chlorhexidine solutions. By letting moisture dry on your instruments, it can cause severe damage such as staining, pitting, or rust.

Another enemy to be wary of is washing your surgical supplies with the wrong solution. Avoid solutions that include laundry soap, iodine solutions, bleach, surgeon’s hand scrub, or anything that contains chlorhexidine or is a chloride-based solution.

Even though most surgical instruments are made from 300 and 400 series stainless steel, it can still stain and rust.

Handling and Storage

The first and one of the most important aspects of protecting your medical surgical supplies is to ensure they are being stored and handled with care. Having a well organized and efficient supply room is the first step. Many surgical instruments such as scalpel blades and scissors are small and easy to misplace or break even before being used.

Keep smaller and larger instruments in separate containers to prevent damage from the weight of larger instruments. Using color coded supply containers prevents supplies from being misplaced. Also, keeping an update-to-date surgical supplies list will help regulate inventory control.

Cleaning

The best way to keep surgical supply enemies away is to ensure a regular and proper cleaning routine. Cleaning removes dirt and debris as well as moisture.

After surgery, this process should begin within 20 minutes. Washing your medical surgical supplies as quickly as possible prevents blood or other surgical fluids from drying and causing pitting or rust.

For cleaning and disinfecting, it is recommend to use fluid that specifically states “for surgical instruments” on the label instead of water or general disinfectants.

Disinfection

A useful method for disinfecting surgical supplies is boiling them. Boiling your instruments in 212°F for at least one minute kills the majority of microorganisms.  Distilled water is preferred for boiling in order to eliminate lime build up.

Be careful with smaller, more delicate instruments as a rolling boil can cause them to bounce around and possibly cause damage. After your surgical supplies have been boiled, remove them with tongs. Do not leave them in the water to cool since they could become re-contaminated.

You should note that boiling your instruments is not sufficient enough for them to be considered sterilized.

Sterilization

All surgical supplies prior to surgery must be sterilized to prevent spreading infection. Sterilization can be done two ways: autoclaving or cold sterilization.

Autoclaving

Autoclaving, which is saturated steam under high pressure, is the most popular method to sterilizing surgical supplies.

Before autoclaving, your surgical instruments must be cleaned, disinfected, and lubricated. Make sure they are placed in an open position. You should never lock or close your instruments as the steam will not be able to sterilize all surfaces of your surgical supplies.

Do not overload the chamber or stack the instruments as they may not be sterilized properly. The steam should be able to freely circulate in order to reach all of the supplies inside.

Adjusting the time, temperature, and pressure of the autoclave cycle should be done by following the manufacturer's instructions. Laboratory Equipment gives great guidelines for processing the instruments:

• Unwrapped instruments at 121°C for 20 minutes at 15 PSI above atmospheric pressure or at 134°C for 3–4 minutes at 30 PSI above atmospheric pressure
• Wrapped instruments at 121°C for 30 minutes at 15 PSI above atmospheric pressure or at 134°C for 15 minutes at 30 PSI above atmospheric pressure

Once the sterilization process is complete and pressure is at zero, slightly open the door to let the steam escape in order to avoid burning yourself. A dry cycle (usually 30 minutes) should be run as directed by the manufacturer. Using a sterile tong, remove all of your surgical supplies and allow them to cool before putting them back into storage or using them for surgery.

Cold Sterilization

In order to sterilize your surgical instruments with cold sterilization, you’ll need to set aside 10 hours or more for soaking.. You must be careful when sterilizing  fine surgical instruments for this amount of time since they can be damaged. Since this process is so long, autoclaving, which sterilizes in 20 minutes, is typically the preferred sterilization method.

Lubrication

Lubricating your surgical supplies after use is one of the easiest ways to prolong their lifespan. Moving parts on instruments such as joints, hinges, ratchets, and screw joints should be lubricated consistently. As mentioned above, It is important to lubricate all surgical supplies that have flexible joints or moving parts before autoclaving.

Surgical Supply Store Guarantee

Your surgical supply store should guarantee the safety and quality of their products. Even if their supplies come sterilized, you should always take extra steps to personally ensure they are properly sterilized and disinfected before surgical use. A good surgical supply store will always deliver your products on time and damage free.

Implementing and following these simple methods of properly caring for your surgical supplies will lower costs and prevent waste. By maintaining a proper and thorough cleaning and maintenance regime, not only will your medical supply investment be protected, your patients’ health will be as well. 

From packages of  syringes and medical apparel to defibrillators, medical supplies are one of the most vital yet expensive costs for hospitals.

Reducing supply chain costs has long been a goal of many hospital administrators. In the healthcare industry, many point the finger at the rise in medical supply costs; however, another factor accounts for approximately  $765 billion each year - supply waste.

According to a study conducted from the University of California - San Francisco, $1,000 in wasted resources for each case was found in its neurosurgery department, accounting for nearly $3 million in estimated annual costs. That’s just $3 million wasted in one department at one hospital.

So why so much waste in hospital supplies?

The truth is supply chain management isn’t easy. Administrators have to balance ordering enough supplies to meet the demand of nurses and doctors but not so much that it takes up a lot of space or exceeds the budget. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to improve hospital supply management.

Consider Automation and Hospital Inventory Management Technology

How do you track your inventory? Is it the most efficient process possible? If you haven't already, you should consider adopting a more sophisticated digital platform with a forecasting feature to properly manage supply and future demand.

Supply tasks such as counting inventory can be very time-consuming when done manually. Manually counting inventory is not only slow but presents a greater risk for human error.

Adding automation could provide huge savings for hospitals. According to Health Care Business Tech, a survey given to supply chain administrators estimated that facilities could save an average of $500,000 by investing in more high-tech supply chain technology solutions such as data analytics and RFID tracking (which uses chips in tags that connect with electromagnetic fields to track supplies in real time).

By automating the supply chain, clinicians would spend less time counting and managing inventory and more time with patients.

Create a Supply Chain Council

A supply strategy should align with the company strategy and management of the hospital. A supply chain council should include key administrators, executives, and managers with important roles in the facility.

Each department would be represented to ensure the goals created by the council would be communicated to staff and properly managed. By including executive leadership, decisions will be streamlined and the supply chain will align with the same goals and strategies of the company.

Incentivize Hospital Staff

Each department must be held responsible for their supply control and management. Each clinician’s role in contributing to the hospital inventory management should be well define and tracked. This goes for all healthcare supplies and  medical equipment, from gauze pads and bed linens to cardiac stents and drugs.

Managers should welcome clinicians’ ideas and feedback in helping to reduce supply waste. Empowering staff to voice their opinions helps include them in the company’s overall strategy.

Recognition and awards can be given to those departments that meet the supply chain goals monthly. A fun and friendly competition between departments could not only incentivize hitting goals but promote team building as well.

Organize Hospital Supply Rooms

Misplaced hospital supplies cost money.

Making sure that the hospital supply rooms are well-organized and easy to access is essential for proper inventory control. Habits like placing supplies with sooner expiration dates in front, color coding systems, and implementing linear organization patterns help keep things orderly and easy to find.

Upkeep of hospital supply rooms should be maintained on a regular basis and by a few key members. Quarterly re-assessment of supply room organization standards should be done to ensure the current set-up is still efficient.

Re-Examine Providers and Contracts

Hospitals need to evaluate their current contracts and vendor suppliers. What are your biggest priced supplies? Which ones have contracts and which ones don’t? Can any contracts be consolidated?

Adding supplies under one contract (or a smaller number of them) can help to reduce cost by keeping pricing consistent and under control. Also, keeping all contracts in one organized and safe place to easily refer to helps when the time comes for re-negotiation and price comparison.

Does your  hospital supply company have your hospital and the needs of your patients’ best interests in mind? Do they provide high-quality products when you need them? Are your orders delivered on time and complete? It is important to also consider their productivity and if they comply with regulatory standards.

Evaluate Supply Needs

Another way administrators can save costs is to further evaluate purchase decisions for big expense items in departments such as  orthopedics and cardiology. Each time a department makes a request for a new piece of hospital equipment, the need should be fully evaluated before committing to making the purchase.

Use a questionnaire can help determine a supply’s value relative to cost.

• What will this hospital supply be used for?
• How will this product help patients?
• What are the advantages/disadvantages to using this product compared to others?
• What alternatives exist to this product?
• Why are you choosing to use this particular product?

Re-evaluating your current hospital supply chain processes not only reduces waste but also improves the overall efficiency of the hospital and its staff. As a manager, not only does it make your job easier, but clinicians and doctors won’t have to spend needless time in a supply room or tracking inventory. Instead, they can focus on their number one priority, their patients.

You’re thirsty, so you go into the kitchen to grab a glass of ice cold water. You turn on the faucet, and as you take that refreshing gulp, do you ever stop to wonder - what’s in my water? Most of us probably don’t give it much thought since the majority of our water sources are purified and safe for drinking. However, when it comes to scientific research and medical purposes, you can’t just use any water resource. You need sterile water.

What is Sterile Water?

Sterile water is water that is free from all microorganisms such as fungi, spores, bacteria, etc. It is used as a sterile, hypotonic, nonpyrogenic irrigating fluid or pharmaceutical aide.

Sterile water is important for medical research, irrigation solutions, and injections to prevent contamination that could be present in everyday water. Tap water cannot be used because there is a potential risk of contaminants such as leaky sewer pipes, or the risk of being exposed to other corrosive metals.

The role of sterile water within the medical field is crucial, especially sterile water for injections, irrigation, and laboratory testing.

Sterile water for injection

Sterile water is used to dissolve or dilute other medicines before they are given to a patient. Once the medication is diluted, it can then be injected into a vein, muscle or under the skin. It is important to know that sterile water itself should never be injected directly into the body. Because sterile water is hypotonic, heavy absorption of sterile water can cause serious adverse reactions or fluid overload.

Sterile water for irrigation

When used for irrigation purposes, sterile water acts as a safe washing solution for general irrigation of body cavities, wounds, or indwelling urethral catheters. It is also used for rinsing or soaking surgical dressings that are in contact with wounds.

Sterile Water vs Distilled Water

Tap water, sterile water, distilled water - so what’s the difference?

As mentioned above, the use of tap water is okay for everyday drinking but not for medical uses due to the risk of contamination. For safer, cleaner options the medical industry turns to distilled water and sterile water.

Though sterile water and distilled water are both used by medical professionals, they are not the same and do not have the same uses.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is created through a combination of steam and condensation. Distilled water is essentially regular tap which has been purified through evaporation. After evaporation, the steam is re-captured through condensation and deposited into a container. It does not contain any minerals such as salt, iron, or calcium. Medical professionals use distilled water to clean medical tools because it does not cause spotting. It can also be efficient in completely removing detergent that has been used to wash off impurities.

Sterile Water

Sterile water for irrigation and injection is a fluid with a PH of roughly 5.7 and used as a solvent to dissolve or dilute drugs. Its primary pharmaceutical purpose is for injection of non-intravenously administered medication and nutrient mixtures, or to clean wounds. It is prepared by distillation. Sterile water’s role in medical research is crucial. Using this water is required in experiments but normal or even distilled water may bring outside bacteria into the experiment. This contamination would invalidate all test results and jeopardize other experiments within the same lab. Therefore, sterilized water is the only acceptable water for laboratory research.

How to Make Sterile Water

A recent article posted by ASHP.org stated there has been a problem in 2018 for hospitals being able to obtain sufficient amounts of sterile water for injection. The FDA has added sterile water to their list of medical supply shortages. While sterile water used for injections or irrigation should always be administered by a medical professional, it is possible to make your own sterile water.

In order to make sterile water, you must have the appropriate supplies. If you make your own sterile water, you must store it in a sterilized container and keep it in a cool location away from the sun. You can sterilize the container by boiling it for 10 minutes.

Supplies:

• Pressure cooker or hermetically sealed pot
• Filtered water
• Stove
• Thermometer
• Sterilized container

Steps:

• Fill your pressure cooker or hermetically sealed pot with water
• Place the cooker on the stove and boil it for 20 minutes
• Sterilization process: Throughout the boiling period, temperature within the cooker must be maintained at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your sterile water is ready! As mentioned above, saving your sterilized water in a sterilized container is crucial. Once cooled, it is best to use sterilized water immediately to ensure it is contaminate free. If stored properly, it can last up to three days.

Important to note: simply boiling water in a pot for 20 minutes or so will kill most infection causing bacteria and may be perfectly useful for drinking purposes; it would however not be classified as sterile water for medical purposes.

Where to Buy Sterile Water

So, what if you don’t have a pressure cooker or the time to make sterile water? You can buy sterile water in person or online from reputable medical/pharmaceutical supply companies. When choosing a medical supply company we always recommend ensuring the quality of their products and how they are shipped/stored.

At Predictable Surgical Technologies we offer both sterile water for irrigation and injection solutions varying in 250ml, 500ml, and 1,000ml sizes.

While there is a vast difference between the water we drink and sterile water, the importance of water itself is invaluable to the medical and research industries. So, the next time you grab a bottle of water or turn on the tap, remember that water plays a crucial role in not only keeping us hydrated and healthy, but saving lives through its cleaning and diluting properties. This article is meant to answer commonly asked questions regarding sterile water. For the proper use and administration of sterile water, you should always consult a medical expert or physician. 

Bone grafting is an important everyday treatment to help replace a dental patient’s missing teeth, facilitate bone formation, and promote wound healing. For a patient, the prospect of a bone graft can be look at as daunting news. The truth is, a bone graft is a routine, predictable, and usually painless procedure, especially if you have the right materials.

Today there are an overwhelming array of bone graft material options. How do you choose which bone graft material to use? Does your dental supply company offer the best possible solutions? It’s important to know the difference between the various materials available, and select the one that best fits your patient’s needs.

In this article we are going to discuss the different bone graft material types and the benefits they provide so you can determine which is best for certain procedures.

Ideal Bone Graft Requirements

There are four major factors for a bone graft to be successful:

1. There must be osteoblasts present to create new bone. If there is not enough osteoblasts the bone graft will fail.
2. There must be a sufficient blood supply available for nourishment. Blood is crucial for cell viability and clot formation. A blood clot acts as the initial matrix where cells migrate and serves as an anchor for osteoblasts.
3. Graft stabilization is vital to the healing process. Movement and mechanical stresses can lead to a disruption in the blood clot. Fibrous tissue could fill the area instead of bone. Fixation tools such as titanium mesh, collagen membranes, bone pins and screws may be used to help steady the area.
4. There must be no tension on the soft tissue. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is based on the separation of the grafted site from the surrounding soft tissue. Since bone is the slowest growing material, it is important to use GBR to keep the faster growing tissues such as epithelium, fibrous tissue or gingival connective tissue out of the defect to allow the formation or vital bone.

There are three biological mechanisms that helps form and heal new bone after a bone graft has taken place. This is done through osteogenesis, osteoinduction and osteoconduction

1. Osteoconductive bone graft material acts as a scaffold for new bone growth that is perpetuated by the native bone. This allows osteoblasts from the wound margin to infiltrate the defect and to migrate across the graft, spreading and generating new bone. A bone graft material should at least be osteoconductive.
2. Osteoinductive materials stimulate primitive mesenchymal cells brought in through the blood supply from adjacent bone or periosteum. They involve the stimulation of osteoprogenitor cells to differentiate into osteoblasts that start new bone formation.
3. Osteogenic graft materials supply actual viable osteoblasts themselves and contributes to new bone growth along with bone growth produced by the other two mechanisms.

Classification of Bone Grafts

Autograft (autogenous graft)

Ideally, an autograft is the best type of bone substitute since it is taken from the patient’s own bone. The bone is transferred from one location to another within the same individual. An autograft is ideal because there is no risk of disease transmission. Autograft is also considered osteoinductive and osteogenic, as well as osteoconductive.

However, because you are adding an additional surgical site to the patient, there is an increased risk of pain, infection, scarring, donor site morbidity, complexity in the surgical procedure, and a limited bone supply.

Autograft Bone Graft Material

If your patient requires an autograft, in oral and maxillofacial surgery, bone is taken from the chin area (mandibular symphysis) or anterior mandibular ramus. An autograft can also be performed without a solid bony structure using bone taken from the anterior superior iliac spine. It can be harvested as bone blocks or milled to generate particles.

Allograft

Similar to the autograft bone, allograft is taken from humans. It has a natural bone composition and structure. The difference being that the bones are sourced from an individual other than the one that needs the bone graft.The bone tissue is osteoinductive and osteoconductive but does not contain osteogenic properties. Allograft bones are usually sourced from a  bone bank where the bone has been donated by cadavers. There is a controversy over the possible transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C.

Bone graft material for allografts are available in different forms from mineralized/demineralized bone granules to whole bone segments. They can be cortical, cancellous, or both.

Allograft Bone Graft Material

Allograft bone granules provide a foundation for encouraging cellular growth and helps in the rapid bone regeneration by allowing for faster remodeling. Bone granules are utilized in socket preservation for future implant placement, ridge reconstruction for prosthetic therapy, filling osseous defects and maxillary sinus floor elevation.

Allograft  bone segment blocks are a predictable and effective alternative to traditional autogenous block grafting and ridge augmentation. Instrumental in bone volume regeneration for severe bone atrophy cases that require an increase in initial stability for an implant site.

When looking for bone allograft dental suppliers, it is important to make sure they are fully accredited member of The American Association of Tissue Banks and FDA registered. We also recommend finding out where the dental supplies are being shipped from to ensure there is no risk of safety or storage concerns.

Xenograft

Xenograft material originates from non human resources such as bovine and porcine. Non vital bone from cows or pigs is demineralized and deproteinized to expel the risk of disease transmission and allergic reaction. By removing all of the protein, it becomes it a natural bone structure very similar to human bone.

Xenograft provides long term volume stability but is osteoconductive only.

Xenograft Bone Graft Material

While Xenograft materials are available in both particulate and segmented bone block form, it has been found that bone blocks from Xenograft used in vertical augmentation lack strength and can break during the screw fixation process. However, bovine-derived bone grafts (particulate and blocks) have successfully been used for the treatment of human intrabony defects and ridge augmentation.

Bovine:  Particle anorganic cancellous bone graft granules are naturally sourced from bovine bone material. This type of bone graft material allows for a combination of a porous structure for vascular access with a roughened surface that is favorable to cell adhesion and subsequent bone matrix deposition.

Porcine:  Particle porcine Xenograft particulates are porous, anorganic bone mineral with a carbonate apatite structure derived from porcine cancellous bone. Interconnecting macroscopic and microscopic porous structure supports the formation and ingrowth of new bone.

Alloplast

Alloplast bone graft material is synthetic in nature and used to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Alloplasts are usually made from calcium phosphate based ceramics such as hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that is also the main mineral component in bone. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is successful due to its osteoconduction and the acceptability by bone. An added advantage of synthetic materials is their abundance in comparison to natural materials. Alloplasts have been successfully used in periodontal reconstructive surgery.

Alloplast Bone Graft Material

Alloplasts are manufactured in a variety of forms and with varying properties. They can be made available in both resorbable and nonresorbable forms as well as various levels of porosity and size. The most common alloplastic materials are tricalcium phosphates, bioactive glasses, and HA and dicalcium phosphates.

Tricalcium phosphates (TCP) is a porous form of calcium phosphate. It is most commonly used as a partially resorbable filler that allows for bone formation and replacement. It has two crystallographic forms, α-TCP and β-TCP and is bioactive and resorbable.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is non-osteogenic, not conclusively osteoinductive, but rather works as an osteophilic and osteoconductive graft material. It has been marketed for use in a variety of forms: non-resorbable, solid nonresorbable, and resorbable (non-ceramic, porous). The temperature at which HA is processed dictates its resorptive potential.

*Many materials will use both  HA and TCP as a synthetic mix matrix. The purpose of using HA and TCP in combination is a balance between the stable HA which can be found years after implantation, and the fast resorbing TCP. The ratio between the two affects the resorptive properties of the bone graft material.

Bioactive glass is composed of silicon dioxide (45%), calcium oxide (24.5%), sodium oxide (24.5%), and phosphorus pentoxide (6%). Studies have reported that bioactive glass as superior manageability, homeostatic, and osteoconductive properties. However, bioglass does not undergo resorption so bone forms around the particles and grows via osteoconduction. When mixed with autogenous bone graft material, it doubles natural bone regeneration.

Aside from costs and weighing your options, when choosing your dental supplies, you should consider where they are coming from and how they are being stored. Ensure a dental supplier’s materials are FDA registered and the quality of their product is guaranteed. At  Predictable Surgical Technologies, we guarantee our products meet the highest health and safety standards that you and your patients deserve.

Proper bone grafts materials are vital to the success and health of your patient. Knowing what your options are and being equipped with the best bone graft materials provides the confidence and tools for maintaining a reputable practice.