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How Effective are Hand Sanitizers?

  Hand sanitizers have gained a lot of popularity and prominence, especially after the pandemic which has made everyone realize the importance of hygiene. So much so that you can’t enter a hospital, store, mall, or just any place without getting your hands sanitized at the entrance. However, the real question is if hand sanitizers are really effective. Hand soaps and hand sanitizers are two terms, often used interchangeably. However, they are meant for different purposes and circumstances. While hand sanitizers are great to have on hand when on the go, healthcare professionals are of the opinion that nothing can beat a thorough hand wash with regular soap and water.   The effectiveness of hand sanitizer   Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol (the principal ingredient in alcoholic drinks) is the key ingredient in most hand sanitizers. Having a long history of being effective against some bacteria and viruses, alcohol in the right quantities can help with disinf...

How to choose the right surgical suture

  To begin with, suture material is graded according to the diameter of the suture strand. The letterI ‘O’ is used by the grading system, which is preceded by a number to indicate the diameter of the material. The diameter of the suture strand depends upon this specific number, which means, the higher the number, the smaller the diameter of the suture strand. To add to it, the suture material is also attached to a needle which can have several different features. It can not only be of various sizes, but can also have a cutting or non-cutting edge. Larger needles can actually close more tissue with each stitch while smaller needles are more likely to reduce scarring. However, just like there are many different types of sutures, there are several types of suture techniques as well. Based on the specific type of technique you are to perform, you can go ahead and choose the right surgical suture for yourself. Continuous sutures Continuous sutures is one technique that involves a...

Perfecting the art of suturing

  Without proper training and practice, it is very difficult to suture perfectly. Failing to do it correctly can cause serious, life-threatening infections and leave behind a scar. Hence, it is crucial for all medical students to master the art of suturing. This would require understanding and learning all the techniques of suturing. If you are a medical student and want to learn various suturing and stitching techniques, here are a few ways to do so:    Always choose the right equipment  It is very crucial to choose the right surgical needles and sutures while suturing. Every medical equipment is designed for a particular purpose. Depending on the needs like a less wound tensile strength, deep tissue space closure, or less scarring, an expert must select the right suture thread (polyester, nylon, or other material) and needle. Even for practicing, one must always use the right equipment. Also, make sure that it is a good quality suture like Ethicon sutures. ...

The Pros and Cons of Colostomy

 A colostomy is a surgical procedure which redirects the colon (large intestine) to a stoma, a surgically created hole, in the abdominal region. This procedure allows the fecal matter to move out of the body into a bag that the user wears. Unlike a cosmetic surgery, a colostomy is a major surgery which affects the body and the vital functions it performs. In some cases it is done due to a blockage in the colon. In other cases, infection due to skin sores or prior skin flap surgery results in a preventive colostomy. Here we list down the pros and cons of living after a colostomy surgery: Pro 1: The urgency is reduced - For patients who have gone through the surgery, the urgency to rush to the bathroom is significantly reduced. While they may feel a little sense of urgency if they allow the ostomy bag to fill too much, the problem is greatly reduced otherwise. And once they get used to it, they will feel much more comfort. Pro 2: No more accidents - After a successful surgery, t...

Oximeters: What, How, and When?

  With the COVID-19 pandemic causing worldwide panic and unprecedented damage to health and finances of people across the globe, a small medical device called the pulse oximeter is becoming an essential part of the household medical kits. Before you set out to buy one, however, it is best to learn a bit more about the device itself. A pulse oximeter is an oxygen saturation machine that monitors and measures the percentage of oxygen present in the blood haemoglobin. This means it can also record the pulse or the rate of heart beat. Oxygen that is taken in through respiration is needed by every cell, every organ of the human body and it reaches these cells bound by the haemoglobin in blood. When cells are oxygen deprived, they start to die very quickly. This state is called hypoxia. This makes it very important for those with heart or respiratory ailments to monitor their blood oxygen percentage at regular intervals. The pulse oximeter is a small, battery operated device that ca...

Pulse Oximeter Buying Guide

  The sheer technology of pulse oximeters have really come a long way. When it was launched for the first time in the 1970s, it weighed about 35lbs and was quite a clumsy, heavy device. However, today a pulse Oximeter only weighs a few ounces and what's best is, there are several types of pulse oximeters - ranging from the most sophisticated used in operating rooms to simple fingertip models. Considering the fact that the fingertip models are more widely used at homes, hospitals as well as emergency rooms for spot checks, these are sought to be the most convenient ones to use at home as well.   Some of the best and most trusted online medical stores such as Smart Medical Buyer offers a range of excellent pulse oximeters that are available at different price points. However, it is important to not base our decision on prices and brand names only. It is important to look through each one's features and specifications before you finally settle on to one.   Accuracy ...

Understanding the anatomy of a stethoscope

  Stethoscopes are an essential element in the life of medical professionals. It allows healthcare professionals to listen to and identify problems that patients may be suffering from. Although the device is very important for work purposes, having an understanding of different parts and names of the stethoscope will provide you with extra knowledge of how it works and how it is assembled. Who Needs a Stethoscope? Cardiologists, the EMT, general practitioner, medical student, pediatricians, and others need reliable stethoscopes based on their needs. For example, pediatricians need a stethoscope which is specifically designed for smaller & younger patients.   Pediatricians also need to ease the often deterring atmosphere of the hospital or clinic and thus choose colorful stethoscopes so that it adds a fun element for the kids and keeps them calm. You can shop for Littmann pediatric stethoscope and other medical products, equipment, & instruments by SMB, India's Lar...