Used Medical Equipment Discussion about reconditioned medical equipment

According to several articles that broke last month throughout the scientific and medical communities, the risk for cancer among some heart patients may be greater than previously expected. This is primarily because they are subjected to so many tests that emit low doses of radiation. Like any other radiation-based diagnostic imaging test, frequent CT scans and cardiac imaging done are causing an increased risk of cancer, but according to a study that was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, this problem is more worrisome among heart patients.

The medical community is understandably concerned whenever a patient who already has one chronic illness becomes more susceptible to another. But has heart disease has increased in the United States, so has the use of procedures that use radiation. Not every test for heart disease is unsafe however. EKG testing and EKG machine stress tests have no known side effects, nor do an echocardiograms, or ultrasounds of the heart.

Coronary angiography is another popular procedure for heart patients, and also uses a low dose of ionizing radiation. The link found by researchers at McGill University’s health center, in conjunction with Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital, showed specific evidence of higher cancer risk among patients who suffered a severe heart attack. Over 82,000 patients were included in this study. According to the researchers, it is incumbent upon physicians and patients to keep this fact in mind when undergoing procedures where ionizing radiation is used. Some hospitals have started to replace older medical equipment, particularly CT scanners, for newer machines that emit less radiation.

Of the 12,000+ cases of cancer that were diagnosed in patients studied, all of whom had suffered a heart attack, most were located in the areas around the pelvis and abdomen, which also speaks to the possibility of radiation exposure as the cause.

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One of the most commonly used medical devices in hospitals a pulse oximeter. Pulse oximeters offer a non-invasive way to measure the oxygen level in arterial blood, and they work through a simple two step process.

Here is how a pulse oximeter works:

Arterial blood generates a pulsatile signal, which is not found in venous blood and other bodily tissues. As a result, reduced hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin absorb light differently. By attaching an LED sensor to a patient’s toe, finger, earlobe or nose, a pulse oximeter can measure the amount of infrared and red light that passes through the tissue. This, in turn, reveals the amount of oxyhemoglobin and hemoglobin present in the blood. The LEDs use 660nm and 940nm wavelengths that sit opposite a photo detector. Pulse oximeters measure the proportion of oxyhemoglobin by looking t the amount of red and infrared light that is absorbed. More red light means more oxyhemoglobin and more infrared means less oxyhemoglobin.

In addition to measuring blood oxygen levels through the detection of oxyhemoglobin, or SpO2, a pulse oximeter can measure a patient’s pulse rate. While pulse oximeters are useful in emergency rooms and surgical settings, they do have their limitations when used in conjunction with intravenous dyes, poor ambient lighting or low perfusion. It is quite common to find refurbished pulse oximeters for sale at used medical equipment dealers. Once acquired, most manufacturers recommend regular perfunctory checks to be sure the equipment is safe and accurate. This can be done by using a pulse oximeter simulator, which has the same properties as a finger.

For the best selection of affordable pulse oximeters and other used medical equipment, check out the online medical equipment marketplace at Absolute Medical. This site provides a valuable resource for physicians, medical clinics and hospitals who want to purchase new and refurbished medical equipment at affordable prices.

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