Stainless Steel Playing a Key Role in Healthcare
The healthcare industry requires specific materials to create tools, storage, piping, and other medical equipment that help medical professionals keep patients healthy and in a safe and clean environment. Stainless steel is used in a variety of different industries such as food processing, wastewater management, construction, and more. In this article, we will talk about the key role stainless steel plays in healthcare and the benefits it provides.
Stainless Steel Benefits in the Healthcare Industry
One of the most important benefits of using stainless steel in healthcare is its corrosion resistance. This makes it safe for use in sensitive operations and processes while also helping to create durable, long-lasting tools and equipment. Stainless steel can also withstand extreme temperatures and that also makes it easy to sterilize and capable of being used in a variety of circumstances. The easy cleaning ability of stainless steel also makes it the perfect material for everything from tubing and tools to storage and bed construction. The healthcare industry has strict hygiene conditions, so it is important to use materials such as stainless steel to keep a sanitary and sterile environment.
You will find stainless steel being used in hospitals, health clinics, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and medical laboratories due to its flexibility and durability. The passivation layer on stainless steel is one of the biggest reasons why it is so popular in medical use. The smooth and easy-to-clean surface keeps viruses and other contaminants from accumulating. This is important when it comes to cleaning stainless steel instead of using harsh chemicals, all you need is warm soapy water and a good rinse. In some instances, for smaller stainless steel items, dry heat or moist heat sterilization offers the ability to effectively clean multiple items simultaneously.
The Importance of Stainless Steel in Medical Equipment
Medical professionals require reliable medical equipment made out of the proper materials for maximum effectiveness. Surgical steel is a specific type of stainless steel used to manufacture equipment in the medical industry. The difference between surgical steel and stainless steel comes down to the level of corrosion resistance. Surgical steel has a higher resistance due to the addition of molybdenum. Medical-grade stainless steel allows each patient to be safely treated due to its ability to be easily sanitized.
Hospital beds are made of steel because different patients use the same bed and they need to be properly sanitized, especially when a patient is being treated for an infectious disease or has open wounds. You can find stainless steel being used in larger items such as wheelchairs, IV stands, and countertops all the way to smaller items such as screws, plates, scalpels, syringes, and more.
Implant-Grade Stainless Steel
Surgical stainless steels are also used for non-permanent implant devices. The nickel content can be a concern but the risk from nickel derives from exposure in its raw form but once alloyed with steel, the risk is minimal. The amount of chromium encountered by patients is also considered non-hazardous.
Anytime a person receives an implant, it must be composed of non-magnetic, non-corrosive metals that are biocompatible materials. This is important because the material needs to be compatible with living tissue or a living system by not being toxic or injurious and not causing immunological rejection. The non-magnetic properties of stainless steel ensure the patient’s safety in a situation where they would come in contact with machines such as MRIs. If a magnetic material was exposed to equipment like an MRI, it could damage the implant and the surrounding tissues.
Stainless steel has numerous benefits that make it compatible with all kinds of industries and applications. Check out our blogs to see how other industries use stainless steel and what key role it plays in their business.
SUNCOR STAINLESS: THE LEADING MANUFACTURER OF STAINLESS STEEL HARDWARE AND COMPONENTS.
To learn more about the world’s most complete and highest quality sources for stainless steel hardware and custom parts – visit our Suncor Stainless website. This Plymouth, MA-based company offers a variety of the highest quality stainless steel hardware for industrial, marine, architectural, commercial, government, and OEM markets.
For more information on our stainless steel hardware and custom parts, you may contact Suncor Stainless at 1-800-394-2222 or by completing the Contact Us Form.
Sources:
https://www.unifiedalloys.com/blog/medical-stainless-steel
