In the global spread of COVID-19, disinfection is more important than ever, especially for healthcare facilities that are on the front line of the fight against this epidemic.
Healthcare equipment is imperative to stop the spread of this virus, and hospitals need access to additional supplies such as masks, ventilators, beds, ambulances and other ancillary equipment.
As hospitals invest in additional supplies, we must consider what materials are best suited to combat this situation. If you don’t know, medical equipment is made from various types of metals, plastics etc; however, what is the best material for safety and sterilisation? The consensus of the medical community is widely accepted: stainless steel.
In the Tisco article below, you can learn more about the benefits of stainless steel with COVID-19.
What is stainless steel?
Steel Warehouse
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium and 1.2% or less carbon. There are many different types or grades of stainless steel and they are made by changing the percentage of their content and adding different metals and elements such as.
Nickel Molybdenum
Titanium alloys
Copper
Carbon
Nitrogen
In fact, there are over 50 different grades of stainless steel. Of these, grades 200 and 400 are widely used, but they all share characteristics that give this metal its unique ability to be sterilised.
Stainless steel has gained a great reputation for its ability to resist rust and corrosion. This property is due to the addition of chromium which, when exposed to oxygen, forms a film of chromium oxide on the surface. This film acts as a barrier between the steel and the environment. If broken, it has the ability to repair itself (as long as oxygen is present).
With this ability, stainless steel is the perfect choice for medical equipment that is constantly being cleaned, washed and wiped down. All this cleaning may damage other materials, but this is where stainless steel really comes into its own.
Why is stainless steel a hygiene standard for healthcare facilities?
Internal surgery rooms
Its unique ability to repair itself helps to create a surface that is very easy to sterilise compared to other materials that are widely used in medical equipment. Other materials, such as ceramics, plastics and polymers, are prone to micro-cracks, dents and scratches that can harbour bacteria and other germs.
These micro-cracks are often invisible to the naked eye, which makes these materials particularly difficult to clean thoroughly. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is extremely durable and resists cracks, dents and scratches. Its natural aluminium foil protects the metal and reduces the amount of maintenance required.
With all this in mind, it is clear why other materials cannot take the crown from stainless steel, which beats them in terms of durability and ease of cleaning.
We can also see why stainless steel is widely used in the medical field. Not only is it extremely durable, but it is also an easy material to make as it can be cut, welded and shaped very easily, while providing extra strength.
Stainless steel also lasts much longer than other materials and will not scratch or dent over time. This makes stainless steel an excellent investment, guaranteeing years of easy cleaning and low maintenance.
Finally, the metal is also heat resistant, meaning that even in high temperature environments it will not deform or break under mechanical stress as many other materials do.
Common medical applications for stainless steel
Stainless steel is used in a variety of different medical applications, including.
Surgical instruments
Cabinets
Sinks
Tables
Stands
Box carriers
Utility trolleys
Stainless steel is particularly useful for utility trolleys, for example, as they need to be able to carry heavy loads (while not being too heavy themselves). In addition, hygienic elements are very important for utility trolleys in healthcare facilities and stainless steel provides the best surface to ensure safe and hygienic equipment.
The importance of stainless steel during COVID-19
The ongoing pandemic is pushing the healthcare industry to its limits and the need for safe, hygienic equipment is at an all-time high. As COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, it is highly transmissible and healthcare facilities and equipment must be effectively disinfected.
It is recommended that healthcare facilities assign routine cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces to nurses and staff, who will be in close contact with patients. The use of stainless steel equipment rather than plastic or aluminium makes the disinfection process easier.