Now that the pandemic has forced the medical industry to practice social distancing and isolation to curb the spread of the pandemic COVID-19, equipment like isolation carts have become a necessary tool more than ever.
It’s a storage solution that contributes to a sterile environment, allowing healthcare professionals instant access to medical supplies near infectious patients without the risk of spreading further contamination.
How Isolation Carts are Designed
Most isolation supplies are designed with a bright colour, which is usually yellow to help it stand out. Each cart drawers are appropriately labelled with its contents so that the medical staff can easily know where every item is located, from gloves, masks, gowns, shoe covers, respirators, hand sanitisers, and more.
The supplies mentioned above are necessary for protection – as masks mitigate the spread of airborne or droplet infections. Gloves serve as the first line of defence, while the shoe covers ensure that the workers don’t carry the germs that can be transmitted from room to room.
While the isolation carts are built to be modular, it is typically placed either near the entrance of the patient’s room or just outside the room. This is so that healthcare professionals have enough distance to suit up and protect them from the infectious person.
Seeing its importance, a quality isolation cart should have the following:
1. Sufficient Drawer Capacity
Isolation carts need to be highly accessible, which is why all the isolation supplies need to fit the drawers. With that in mind, isolation carts that come with full extension drawers make it easier to find and access items. The depth of the drawer is also critical as it can impact its capacity, so 12 inches (305 mm) is ideal for storing hospital gowns.
2. Organisation and Easy Identification in Each Compartment
Having drawer labels is a must so that each visitor or healthcare worker can quickly identify where each product is placed in various compartments. Having wells on the surface of the isolation cart also comes in handy, especially for providing effortless access to masks and various-sized latex gloves.
3. Sizeable and Fits Anywhere
Isolation carts should have the capacity to hold all the necessary isolation supplies while still achieving a size that can save space. The surface can be a place to keep wastebaskets or glove boxes, while most have a recessed side to minimise its footprint, especially when placed in hospital hallways. Carts that have moulded-in handles also contribute to reducing its size.
Conclusion: Isolation Carts is a Necessary Storage Option, Especially During a Pandemic
Isolation carts play a pivotal role in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases – whether it’s to protect visitors, medical staff, or keep the bacteria and germs from going from one room to another.
With that in mind, quality isolation carts must have a smart design. For instance, installing multiple drawers within one compartment can keep items organised, while identification cards are vital for guidance.
If you’re looking for isolation carts, hospital storage trolleys, or other high-quality healthcare storage options for your medical practice in the UK, get in touch with us to see how we can help.