The medical industry is always looking for products and materials that will improve consumer safety, provide more patient comfortability, and increase clinical outcomes.
Urethane offers a catch-all solution to these concerns and has even been called a "miracle material" due to its many benefits in this particular field.
Urethane in the medical industry is so highly regarded because it is durable, lightweight, and non-toxic. Keep reading to learn more about how you can use urethane to improve your quality of care.
Orthopedic cushioning agents
Orthopedic cushioning agents are utilized by the medical industry in many ways: from protecting hospital beds and surgical tables, to providing foot support in shoes.
Because urethane is so lightweight, it helps prevent injury and makes for a more comfortable cushion. Its durability also means that you won't need to replace it as quickly or as frequently as other materials.
Urethane is also non-toxic, biodegradable, and can be mixed with other materials (i.e., rubber latex) in order to amplify its benefits while reducing the cost of production.
Medical tubing
One of the most common uses for urethane in the medical field is tubing. Polyurethane tubes are used in catheters, surgical drains, balloon pumps, feeding tubes, dialysis devices, and more. It's often preferred over rubber and plastic for tubing because of its non-toxicity and strength.
Various types of urethane medical tubing also have a hydrophilic coating, allowing for easy insertion and functioning in moist areas around the body.
Because polyurethane is compatible with the human body, it's a great option for short-term implant devices. It's also non-allergenic, making it a great alternative for people who suffer from latex allergies.
Syringes
Syringe manufacturers also choose urethane because of these very same reasons. Urethane's non-toxic nature makes syringes safer, and its flexibility allows it to form into any desired shape and size.
Medical gloves
When you think of the medical industry, it's easy to imagine sterile procedures and clean spaces.
However, many individuals who work in this field are at risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens due to accidental needle sticks or other injuries. This is why urethane gloves are so important: they provide an extra layer of protection without causing any discomfort or inconvenience to the wearer.
Urethane gloves are also flexible, giving them more durability and making it easier for people to perform their job duties without taking on unnecessary, additional risk.
Because urethane is non-toxic, environmentally-friendly, and can be used in combination with other materials, they're safer than many other gloves currently on the market.
Wound dressings
Urethane is also used in the production of wound dressings.
Wound dressings are a vital part of healthcare and provide protection for open wounds while they heal, but many other types of bandages can cause discomfort or even additional injury to patients.
Urethane's flexibility gives it an advantage over traditional dressings, and it's also lightweight so that patients can wear them without feeling bogged down.
There's not much that urethane can't do to enhance the medical industry. Its flexibility, strength, and resistance to chemicals and abrasions make it the ideal material for various medical products.
At Mark Tool & Rubber, we work very hard to manufacture top quality, durable urethane products that are cost-effective with a quick turnaround time--for any industry! Request a quote from us today to get started creating your custom parts.