If you’re pursuing a career as a doctor and wish to start your own practice, you’re on a great journey.
One of the big challenges you’ll face is getting the right medical equipment. You have to make sure that you always have an abundant supply of the right medical supplies at all times.
But what are the correct medical office supplies? Which are the ones that must take precedence before you can open your doctors office?
Here’s what you need to know:
Contents
Medical Vials
Medical vials are the first thing you should buy before you open your medical practice. These are what you’ll use to store medicine and materials for research.
For example, if you wish to administer vaccines, you’ll keep the vaccine in these vials. You should always buy medical vials in bulk as these are always high in demand.
Make sure you test out different types of medical vials. These include plastic and glass vials. You want to assess which ones you’re most comfortable with and which ones are appropriate for your medical procedures.
You can buy vials for HPLC applications online and have them regularly delivered to you.
Paper Supplies
Next, you want to have paper supplies on hand. These are crucial to maintaining hygiene in your practice.
You’ll need it to clean your hands after an operation. Sometimes, you’ll have to give it to your patient to clean themselves.
Paper supplies begin with medical tissues. These are regular tissues that are more absorbent. They’re also more comfortable for the average person and don’t attract as many allergens.
You’ll also need medical paper for stretchers. This ensures that your stretcher remains clean as your patient lies on it. You can always switch the paper whenever you have to serve a new patient.
Paper supplies run out faster than you would think. You will always need to have a years supply at a time. Every six months you’ll need to replenish your supply.
Scrubs
With scrubs, you can get away with having 3-4 pairs. If you want to play it safe, have a new pair for each day of the week.
You have to make sure that you clean your scrubs each day. Even if you don’t attract many stains, you should still put it on for a full wash. Germs can easily accumulate on your scrubs and spread disease if they’re not cleaned.
Scrubs can come in any color, but you want to stick to one color for your medical practice. Make sure there’s some uniformity between you and your staff regarding the color of your scrubs.
Basic Medical Equipment
Now let’s look at the basic medical equipment that’s expected of a typical physicians office.
Make sure you have at least 2 stethoscopes at your disposal at all times. Likewise, you should have at least 2 blood pressure testing kits.
You’ll also want a weighing scale in your office. You should have one analog one and one digital one. Make sure you also have several thermometers to check a patient’s temperature.
You’ll also need a scanner to check your patient’s ears. Keeping enough cotton swabs and Q-tips on hand to clean their ears when needed.
Keep enough cups and garbage bags around to collect earwax, mucus, and other dirt from your patients. You want to be able to dispose of these right away!
Basic Surgical Materials
Next, let’s look at some of the basic surgical materials you’ll need to have at all times. You must always have an abundance of these materials and it’s best to have a six-month supply at a time.
You’ll need surgical tape to cover up wounds, cuts, and abrasions. Make sure you also have several small and large bandages as well. Keep antiseptic liquid with you as some patients will need it before you apply tape.
You’ll also have to handle all these materials with medical gloves. While latex gloves are the most popular option, your patients might have an allergic reaction to them.
Make sure you have paper towels to stifle blood and prevent bleeding. You’ll also need tweezers, hypodermic needles, and gauze.
Emergency Medical Equipment
In case of an emergency, you’ll have to help your patients before sending them to a hospital.
Make sure you have oxygen masks and tanks on standby. This helps them maintain their breath in case of an emergency. This is crucial for asthma patients or anyone with respiratory or cardiac issues.
You can also have ventilators with you. You can also have foil blankets which help keep your patients warm. These are necessary if you live in an area that experiences heavy snow.
Your medical equipment must be maintained well. If taken care of properly, they can often last for an entire decade.
Autoclave
An autoclave is a small machine that’s easily portable between the different areas of your office.
You’ll need one autoclave in your office, but if you have a backup option that’s always ideal. An autoclave heats up your medical equipment and helps sanitize it.
This saves you from having to buy basic medical equipment repeatedly. It ensures that your office steers clear from any germs or diseases spreading.
You can never be too safe and an autoclave is one of the best ways to protect your office and your staff.
Autoclaves are rather complex to use. Make sure you learn how to use it and train your staff before opening your office. Test out the autoclave on your medical equipment a few times before you open your office.
Open Your Office
Now you know the important medical equipment you’ll need when you’re ready to open your doctors office.
Start by having an abundance of medical vials on hand. These are crucial for storing liquids. You’ll have to have enough vials to last you for at least a year.
Basic medical equipment includes stethoscopes and blood pressure kits. You’ll also want surgical material and emergency equipment. You must also have an autoclave to clean your equipment.
Are you ready to embark upon a medical career? Check out the other medical content on our website.