PPE Supplies - Personal Protective Equipment - Covid PPE

In a medical or rehabilitative setting, PPE keeps both healthcare professionals and patients safe from contagious diseases and infections. In 1847, a Hungarian obstetrician, Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, first introduced the importance of minimizing the transmission of bacteria. At the time, basic hygiene, like handwashing prior to contact with patients, wasn’t considered an essential practice. Today, we know that minimizing the spread of infection can save lives. We also know that a combination of using personal protection equipment and implementing a cleaning regimen using antimicrobials, sanitizers, and disinfectants can reduce the spread of viral illnesses like the flu, Covid-19, Ebola virus, and other potentially deadly diseases.

Personal protection products should be used whenever there is a risk of transmission of viral or bacterial infections. PPE should be used by medical personnel whenever treating patients suspected of viral illnesses like Ebola or Covid-19. In fact, using PPE with any doctor-patient encounter is recommended, however, it is required in hot zones dealing with Covid-19 or whenever there is a requirement for medical staff to come into contact with blood, bodily fluid, or respiratory secretions from patients. The use of PPE is intended to reduce the risk of transmission of disease and to keep patients and medical staff safe from possible contamination.

While many PPE products have more recently become a mainstay of everyday society, healthcare professionals have been using personal protective equipment for decades. Personal protective gear like medical shoe covers, surgical face masks and shields, exam gloves, eye protection, and head and beard covers for decades have been historically utilized in hospitals and doctors' offices; and exam rooms and surgical suites have been scrubbed down with hospital-grade disinfectants and antibacterial sprays after each use. Until the latest pandemic, PPE supplies were predominantly sold by medical supply companies and only purchased by people who used them professionally. Today, most personal protective products are readily available and a part of daily life.

Exam Gloves — Nitrile gloves are durable and more puncture resistant than vinyl gloves. However, vinyl is less expensive, which makes these gloves preferable when having to change them often.

Face Protection — Disposable and reusable masks, protective eyewear, and face shields each have their advantages and disadvantages. Keep in mind that using them properly is key to their success.

PPE Apparel — Some disposable garments are designed for healthcare professionals and physical therapists, others for their patients/clients. For instance, disposable patient gowns can be used for discretion in place of clothing during an exam, ultrasound procedure, or therapeutic massage.

Exam & Chiropractic Table Covers — Reusable or disposable covers that fit most chiropractic tables. For larger tables, smooth table paper or wax paper is available on convenient rolls.

Head Rest Covers — Reusable or disposable headrest covers. Paper covers are easy to use and dispose of, however, reusable covers are easily laundered and may prove to be more economical.

Accessory Covers — Hygienic and professional-looking bolster, wedge pillows, cushion and stool covers are easy to clean and add a layer of protection to these essential accessories.

Diagnostic Tools — Infrared and no-touch thermometers, fingertip pulse oximeters, disposable stethoscopes, and rapid Covid-19 tests.

Disinfectants — Disinfectant cleansers for non-porous surfaces, hospital-grade disinfectant sprays, disposable wipes, and sanitizing laundry detergents.

Sanitizers — Hand sanitizer, antimicrobial hand soap, sanitizer wipes and sprays, and alcohol prep pads.

Sanitization Equipment — UV sterilizers for towels, portable sanitizer bags for everyday items, air purifiers for small rooms, and ionization systems.

Hospital-grade disinfectants are tested against various pathogens according to government standards. They are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they can be used in a hospital setting. Household cleaners also undergo testing, but the standards to be met are lower and they don't make any antimicrobial claims. Hospital-grade disinfectants for coronavirus are on EPA's List N. You can find the EPA registration number on the product label.

Diagnostic equipment is not considered PPE, but it is essential in determining when someone is sick. Because identifying potential infection is extremely useful when trying to stop the spread of contagious illnesses, diagnostic equipment like thermometers, oximeters, and Covid-19 tests are often categorized with other personal protective equipment. Other non-PPE categories are also closely related and play an important part in personal protection such as sanitization equipment, hospital-grade disinfectants, table covers, and hand sanitizers.