Equipment & Suppliers
Learn more about the equipment & supplies you use in your everyday role on the Medshop Australia blog. Here, we explore some of the most commonly used kit and medical equipment manufacturing brands to provide you with all the information you need to make informed purchases for your job in the healthcare industry. Read on to discover a world of medical equipment and everyday gear or contact us today to discuss your specific requirements.
February 18, 2021
Carolyn Cumper
Dansko vs Sanita – Who Has the Best Clogs?
Sanita and Dansko are two of the best known names in footwear regularly associated with work shoes in healthcare settings. Both produce some of the most comfortable, durable and practical professional clogs, trainers and slippers around. In fact, whatever your profession, both of these companies have helped millions of people across the world to stay on their feet throughout the working day. Both Sanita and Dansko offer a broad range of high-quality shoes that are specially designed for people who spend long hours on their feet. As a result, the Dansko vs Sanita debate is common among nurses, doctors, carers, teachers and other hard working professionals. Buyers want to know which brand offers the best value for money, which clogs offer the best durability, and whether Dansko or Sanita shoes are more comfortable—after all, no one wants to be dealing with blisters at the end of a long shift on the wards. So, if you’re currently on the lookout for comfortable shoes designed for the rigours of the healthcare industry, there’s a good chance that both Dansko and Sanita have made your shortlist. To help you decide which clogs, trainers or slippers are right for you, we’re taking an in-depth look at the differences between the brands and finding out if Dansko or Sanita is better. Sanita vs Dansko – What's the Difference One of the main differences between Sanita and Dansko is the age of the brands. While Sanita was founded in Denmark way back in 1907, Dansko started out life just three decades ago in 1990. The shoes that inspired Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup to found Dansko were Danish clogs, exactly like those made by Sanita, and in fact ‘Dansko’ means ‘Danish shoe’. The couple decided that these comfortable, high-quality clogs were exactly what professionals in the US were looking for and so took as many pairs back to the States with them as they could carry. Their friends and colleagues loved the clogs and a new shoe company was born. Suddenly, a pair of Danskos was everything the modern professional needed in a roomy and slip-resistant shoe! Sanita has a far longer history. The brand traces its roots back to Herning, Denmark where Christen Meldgaard Andersen opened his first shoe shop. The cobbler specialised in making comfortable, durable shoes for local masons, farmers, and bakers. In fact, his shoes were so good that the company quickly grew and soon had earned a reputation across Europe for its oiled leather clogs. For a number of years, Dansko and Sanita worked in partnership. This has caused many people to confuse the two brands and ask if Dansko and Sanita are the same company. However, a few years ago, the brands decided to part ways, and today, there’s a lot more separation between the businesses and their products. Dansko now produces a portion of its professional shoes in Asia and the rest in Europe. Sanita on the other hand has kept true to its European shoe-making heritage and still produces its footwear in Poland. Are Sanita and Dansko Sizes the Same? As most people who invest in professional footwear spend a lot of time on their feet, it’s important to get the sizing and fit just right—and this means looking at both your insole and your outsole. When you try the Dansko vs Sanita fit, you’ll see that both brands manufacture their shoes with comfort in mind. Both are made for a medium/wide foot and both are designed with arch support and comfortable footbeds straight out of the box. Additionally, both brands prioritise a broader heel base to prevent ankle rolling, something which is highly important while on the wards! So, do Dansko and Sanita fit the same? Well, not exactly. Sanita is currently transitioning from a leather insole to a padded microfibre insole in all of its styles. This has resulted in a cosier fit and snugger feel. Dansko shoes on the other hand are designed to be medium-width, this means that some wearers may find the footwear a little loose. Both open back Sanita clogs and open back Dansko clogs feature a wider heel designed to allow a finger-width of space between the heel of the foot and the heel of the shoe. In both cases, the toes should meet the front of the clog. If you opt for clogs with a closed heel, the back of the shoe should still have a loose fit and be able to move up and down freely. Both Dansko and Sanita have size charts for men and women. This is to allow for differences in the width and fit of men’s and women’s shoes and to ensure that wearers are able to find the size that’s most comfortable for them. If you’re still unsure about Dansko vs Sanita sizing, take a look at the Sanita size guide to ensure you find the shoe that’s just right for you. Dansko vs Sanita Clogs Dansko and Sanita are both best known for their high quality, Danish-style clogs. These comfortable, durable shoes are ideal for nurses, carers, teachers and other professionals that spend long periods of time on their feet. Both Dansko and Sanita clogs are made from hard wearing materials and both are designed to provide maximum comfort. Sanita clogs however go one step further. Their special design trains the foot and leg muscles, activates the vein valve and prevents cramps. Standing still in Sanita clogs relieves the pressure on the legs and back and prevents the aches and pains that are commonly associated with prolonged periods on the feet. This makes them ideal for people in a range of professions. Affordability of Dansko Compared to Sanita Affordability is always important when investing in any kind of footwear. Especially when it comes to shoes you’ll be wearing day in, day out. Professionals want to know that, as well as being affordable, the shoes they buy will withstand heavy use, look smart at the end of a long shift and remain comfortable even when worn every day. In general, Sanita clogs are a lot more affordable than comparable Dansko professional styles. Even though they are made by specially trained cobblers at the brand’s workshop in Poland, Sanita shoes offer excellent value for money. This makes Sanita clogs a very popular choice for professionals who want to get high-quality shoes for an affordable price. Though Dansko professional clogs are good, their price point makes them a less attractive option for many. Sanita clogs are as good as Dansko whilst being more affordable. As a result, many professionals opt for the Danish brand over its American rival. Choice of Styles Dansko vs. Sanita Another area where Sanita compares particularly well with Dansko is when it comes to style. When you look at Dansko clogs vs Sanita footwear you’ll see that Sanita has a much wider choice of colours and styles. As well as its standard range of high quality clogs, the brand also offers professional knit shoes, leather upper clogs with a carbon style closed heel and colourful open back clogs that are ideal for people working with children. This wide choice makes it easy to find the shoes that are perfect for your feet and your profession. Which Has Better Availability, Dansko or Sanita? Both Dansko and Sanita shoes are available from professional footwear suppliers in countries around the world. In general, Sanita shoes are easier to find and the brand often has a better choice of styles and sizes available from online retailers. This ease of availability is another reason that Sanita clogs and shoes are more popular with hardworking professionals. The Quality of Dansko Clogs vs Sanita Clogs Because of the price difference between the two brands, a lot of people ask if Sanita is the same as Dansko when it comes to quality. In short, the answer is yes. Like Dansko, Sanita uses high-quality materials such as polyurethane and patent leather, and it also uses advanced technologies such as memory foam and other materials for shock absorption. Each pair of Sanita shoes is also manufactured by specially trained cobblers to ensure that each pair of clogs that leaves its workshop is up to standard. Because a number of elements that go into Sanita clogs are handmade, there may be some variation between pairs of shoes. If you’re used to wearing Sanita clogs or shoes, you may notice that a new pair fits slightly more snuggly, or more loosely, than a previous pair. However, as this variation is generally very small, any differences should be minor. The more time you spend on your feet, the more important it is to invest in high quality footwear. Because both Sanita and Dansko footwear is specially designed for professionals that spend a considerable amount of time on their feet, they’re ideal for nurses, doctors, teachers, carers and other people with active careers. To find out more about the importance of comfortable, long lasting footwear, and to browse our range of beautifully made clogs and shoes, explore our site today. Additionally, whether you work with children or adult patients, whether you're in ICU or on the wards, here at Medshop we're committed to helping you find the right equipment for your role. Browse the Medshop store today and stay tuned to the Medshop blog for more information on all kinds of medical equipment.
January 18, 2021
Carolyn Cumper
The Best Weight Scales for Your Hospital, Clinic, or Home
Scales are used everywhere, from hospitals and clinics to health centres and domestic homes. Wether weighing babies or measuring body fat, scales allow doctors to evaluate their patients, prescribe accurate doses of medication and assess the health of the people in their care. Investing in reliable scales makes it easier for medical professionals to get accurate readings and for individuals to properly monitor their own health. Here, we take a look at some of the best weight scales available for home, clinical and medical use. The Best General Purpose Weight Scales General purpose weight scales are high-quality devices that are suitable for a broad range of uses. Products like the Seca 813 Electronic Flat Scales are incredibly precise, measuring weights of up to 150kg in increments of just 100g. Ideal for use in hotels, nutritional clinics, homes and other settings, these scales give reliable results every time. The Best Weight Scales for Body Fat If a patient has a high percentage of body fat, it can negatively impact their halth and cause or aggravate a range of serious conditions. Accurately measuring body fat allows doctors to assess the health of their patients and create a workable and effective treatment plan. The Seca 804 Flat Scale, Electronic, 150kg, with chromed electrodes is designed to allow medical professionals to quickly and accurately measure their patients’ body fat. The scales not only determine a person’s weight, they also measure body fat (BF) and water (BW) content. This gives medical professionals a more complete picture of their patient’s health and overall condition. The Best Bathroom Scales with Body Fat Indicators Another good option is this digital glass scale from Cumper & Robbins. Very affordable, it’s ideal for home use. This allows patients to monitor their weight and overall health when not at a clinic. As well as providing accurate weight measurements, the scale can be used to give advanced body composition data including fat, water and muscle measurements. The Best Analogue Weight Scales Analogue scales are a reliable alternative to digital devices. The Seca 750 Flat Scale is accurate, easy to use and extremely durable. These scales are suitable for both domestic and professional use and have a capacity of up to 150kg. The Best Weight Scales for Babies and Infants Weight is an incredibly important indicator of a baby’s health. Steady weight gain shows the infant is developing normally and getting the nutrition they need. The best way to get an accurate measurement of a baby’s weight is to use specialist infant weighing scales. The Seca 354 Baby Scale is a good option for professional use. The device has a capacity of 20kg and a number of specialist functions. These include a breast milk setting that allows the medical professional to assess how much milk the baby has ingested after a feed, something that can be essential when it comes to maintaining nutrition. The Seca 354 Baby Scale has a detachable tray. When the tray is removed, the device can be used as a robust flat scale for children weighing up to 20kg. The Baby Scale MS-21NEO is specially designed for use with neonatal patients and very young babies. For children up to 6kg, the device is readable in 2g increments, allowing caregivers to get an exceptionally accurate measurement. The scale is designed for hospitals, clinics, surgeries and home use. The Best Multipurpose Scales Multipurpose scales are ideal for doctors’ surgeries and clinics that see a lot of patients with different needs. The Seca 869 Flat Scale is perfect for settings that require a versatile and reliable scale. The device has a capacity of up to 250kg and is accurate to within 100g. The Seca 869 offers a number of additional weighing functions including BMI. It also has a TARE function for weighing small children held in an adult’s arms. The display is connected to the scale via a 2.5m cable. This allows medical professionals to place the display on a wall, table or another convenient position. What are the Best Weight Scales to Buy for Mobile Use? A lot of the time, nutritionists, doctors, nurses and other professionals need to get accurate weight readings when visiting patients in their own homes. Having a reliable scale that can be easily transported between locations allows these professionals to properly assess the people they’re working with. The Seca 876 Flat Scale is an accurate, high quality scale that’s suitable for mobile use. The scale has a capacity of 250kg and a large number of useful weighing functions. The device itself weighs just 4.2kg, making it very portable and easy to transport between locations. The Best Weight Scales to Buy for Diets and Nutrition Special diets and nutritional plans often require followers to accurately measure out ingredients and portions. This allows patients to closely monitor exactly what goes into their bodies. The My Weigh VOX3000 Talking Kitchen Scale is highly accurate and is designed to allow users to weigh a range of ingredients up to 3kg. The device has a voice function that reads out measurements, making it ideal for people with sight loss. Another good option is this 5kg Diet/Nutritional Glass Top Scale. As well as accurately weighing out ingredients and portion sizes, the scales are programmed with the nutritional data of over 500 food items. This allows users to quickly and easily assess their calorie intake. What is the Best Weight Scale Brand? All of the weight scales available through Medshop are manufactured by brands known for the quality of their products. A lot of our weighing scales are made by Seca. The German company has been manufacturing precision engineered medical equipment since 1840, making it one of the most established names in the business. Charder Medical also makes a number of the weight scales available on Medshop. Based in Taiwan, Charder was founded in 1980 and also has an excellent reputation for manufacturing high-quality products. Other good weight scale brands include MyWeigh, Lanter and Jennings. Learn more about our collection of weight scales, and find the right scales for your needs, by exploring the Medshop Australia store today.
June 17, 2020
Medshop Editor
7 Reasons Oxypas Shoes are the Best
For healthcare professionals everywhere, a comfortable pair of shoes is what gets you through the day. When they work, you should barely notice them at all, however, when they don't, they can cause serious discomfort and real pain. Today, there are many types of nursing clogs on the market, from the more traditional styles worn by nurses since World War Two, to injection moulded safety shoes made for the demands of the modern operating room as well as the ward. The latter is the sort we sell most of at Medshop Australia, and injection moulded shoes by Oxypas are some of our favourites. Unlike traditional shoes, Oxypas produces most parts of their shoes in a one-shot by injecting foam into a mould. This means they With injection moulded shoes, there are fewer soles to pull apart from the shoe, fewer seams to split, and additional components, meaning less extra weight. We’ll get into all the benefits of these shoes in a second, but if you think you’re new to injection moulded shoes, you’re probably not. They’ve become something of a sensation in the world outside the medical profession. Many shoe companies employ elements of injection moulding, such that it's become an industry standard. One brand, in particular — I won't mention their name — has enjoyed a long successful campaign via mall kiosks and department store sales. Rest assured, the shoes we carry aren’t the mall variety. Those brands haven’t been around as long as Oxypas, which started making awesome shoes for medical professionals in 1991. If that doesn’t sound that long ago, consider that Bob Hawke was still the Prime Minister, compact discs were the best way to hear music, and the internet was but a wee babe in Australia. Needless to say, Oxypas has been around for a little while. That’s why they make what we consider the best shoes for nurses and other medical professionals, hands(feet) down. But what makes Oxypas shoes so special? Here we take a look at seven reasons Oxypas shoes are among the most convenient and comfortable nursing shoes around. Read on for everything you need to know about this top professional footwear brand. 7) Oxypas Shoes Won’t Stink Let’s face it, shoes can build up a life of their own. They can stink, especially after a double shift of rounds. What's worse, cleaning medical shoes is a hassle. Over time, shoes spun in a dryer start to fall apart. Also, the smell never fully goes away. Fully washable nursing shoes are a necessity. Oxypas shoes not only come with ventilation holes big enough to stick your finger through, but the material of the shoes is also fully washable, with their Oxyclog range is also autoclavable for the ultimate in sterile shoes. In a matter of minutes, you can clean and dry them, without a care in the world. They’re also lined with an antibacterial liner so they’ll resist holding any rogue odours that try to cling to your shoes. Look no further than the Ultralite Classic Olivia White for antibacterial linings in a classic, unisex nursing shoe. 6) Oxypas Shoes Give Grip Nurses and other medical professionals need the ability to move like athletes when necessary. A working nurse will put down an average of ten kilometres by the end of a workday. Slips and falls are the most common form of injury at work. Nurses need the ability to move swiftly, turning 180 degrees without worry that they will slip as they turn. Anti-slip sole then, are highly important! The non-slip outsole of Oxypas shoes manages this probability within a hair’s distance of zero. In fact, the European standard for slip resistance tested and passed Oxypas for the toughest rating, on ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution, and on smooth steel with glycerol. An ideal take on a classic look is the Betty White model, designed with exceptional grip in almost any situation. Additionally, much of the Oxypas shoe range comes with their patented Oxygrip technology for the slipperiest of situations. 5) Oxypas Shoes are Not Shocking Everyone knows the dreaded shock of a carpet and a poor pair of shoes. Static can shock you, and worse, you can shock your patients. Anti-static shoes are also very important for nurses. The shoes from Oxypas have an anti-static feature, which keeps you from building up a current as you earn your living. The Conformité Européenne (CE) rated Oxypas shoes as compliant with the CE 20345 S2 standard, which means they’re breathable, built with a quality lining, free of toxic substances, and that they have a safety toe cap (resistance 200 Joules). In short, you'll not have to think about static electricity. 4) Oxypas Shoes are in it for the Long Shift Speaking of shocking, Oxypas shoes remove more than one sort of shock. In fact, their shock-absorbing design means that there's almost no shock when walking around, even after a double shift. The Bodylight shoes from Oxypas — available in more than white — are the ultimate in cloud walking shoes. ultra-light and supremely comfortable, Oxypas designed them to help tone your leg muscles as you walk. Who knew walking on clouds could help get you in shape while you make a living? That’s what they call a win-win-win. Even the thinnest souled Oxypas shoes have excellent shock absorption. No more “I can’t wait to get home and take off these shoes.” 3) Oxypas Shoes Won’t Get You into Trouble The last thing you want to worry about at work is whether or not your shoes are creating stress for someone else. Sound crazy? It’s not if you consider that some shoes leave marks on the floor. It may not be an important factor when saving lives, but someone at your workplace gets paid to keep the floors neat and clean. In fact, medical facilities carry the reputation of being the cleanest floors anywhere. That means someone else gets paid to make sure those floors aren’t that much harder to keep clean, namely, your supervisor. That person won’t promote you for wearing shoes that won’t mark up the floor, but they also won’t have to ask you to purchase new shoes. Shoes from Oxypas fit into your fly-below-the-radar plan 2) Oxypas Shoes are Shaped Like a Human Foot It sounds counterintuitive, but most shoes on the market are not shaped like a human foot. We’re not talking about the fingered variety that looks too much like a human foot. We’re talking about the normal bed of the human foot when it strikes the ground. Your phalanges, the little foot bones, need room to spread out. Many shoes not only lack the width to allow your foot to properly flex, but they also look like someone with a background in torture designed them. The largest part of the toe box (front of the shoe) often doesn’t line up with normal toes, as if the big toe should be in the middle of the foot, not to one side. Oxypas shoes have a more anatomically shaped footbed and insole to make wearing them easier. 1) Oxypas Shoes are So Comfortable You'll Forget Your Wearing Them Speaking of moving like an athlete, don’t feel funny if you consider wearing your work shoes for running laps around the neighbourhood or for your next marathon. Because Oxypas shoes are made by injection moulding, there’ not a bunch of glue and stitching weighing them down. Most pairs weigh less than 200 grams, putting them in league with most high performance running sneakers. A pair of shoes from Oxypas might look funny crossing the finish line, but what do you care if your feet feel like a million bucks? Seriously, these things are light. The Eva model, a simple non-toxic clog, complete with a heel strap, is the best no-nonsense example of Oxypas’ build standard. There are more reasons to love Oxypas, but if you’ve read this far, we’re not talking to you. If you don’t already own a pair of Oxypas shoes, you’re in the market for a pair now. What’s it going to be? The Eva model? The Betty White? The Olivia White? Maybe you get one of each style so you can vary your shoes as you prefer? Rest assured that once you wear a pair of these shoes you won’t want to wear anything else. You will officially have been spoiled, and you totally deserve it.
May 31, 2020
Medshop Editor
The History of the Hypodermic Needle — Evolution with a Point!
The history of the hypodermic needle involves goose quills, animal bladders and little friendly rivalry. Read on to discover the surprising journey of a healthcare staple.
February 02, 2020
Medshop Editor
Post-Op Shoes – Giving the Right Information to Patients
Post-op shoes are one of those small inventions that provide big benefits to patients. Used to protect feet and toes after a medical procedure or an injury, they help to relieve pain and also provide the right kind of support to encourage the healing process
November 23, 2019
Medshop Editor
The Best Alternatives to Latex Gloves
As one of the most frequently used items in the medical industry, the disposable latex glove is an ever-present in doctor’s surgeries and hospital wards across the world. However, for thousands of healthcare professionals and patients alike, these latex gloves are a cause of great discomfort, or at worst life-threatening allergic reactions. Since their widespread adoption in the 1960s, people have been searching for the best alternatives to latex gloves, and now in 2019 we are fortunate enough to have a number of excellent alternatives available to us. But, how did latex become so prevalent? And why are so many people allergic to it? Well, the answer to this lies in its origins as a naturally occurring product within rubber trees. The most common rubber tree species, the Hevea Brasiliensis, originated in the Amazon rainforest where it was first cultivated by Europeans for the production of rubber. The British were responsible for transporting the species to South East Asia where today it is grown in enormous quantities. Its durability, elasticity, and malleability ensured naturally occurring latex became widely used in the 18th Century, but it wasn’t until 1964 that it was first used to create disposable medical gloves. Unfortunately, as a naturally occurring product, latex rubber contains sensitising proteins that cause some people to have allergic reactions upon contact. These allergic reactions can range from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic shock, which in extreme cases can cause death. As a result, the need for safe alternatives to disposable latex gloves became extremely pressing, and there are now a number of excellent options available on the market. Here at Medshop Australia, we take a look at a few of the best alternatives just for you. Low-Protein Latex Gloves For those suffering from very mild allergic reactions to natural latex, a number of manufacturers now produce powder-free, low-protein, latex gloves as an alternative to traditional latex gloves. These benefit from having the same durability, elasticity and flexibility as normal latex gloves, and they are also better for the environment than disposable gloves made from synthetic materials that, in many cases, are not biodegradable. However, with the potential for an allergic reaction still possible, even though it is significantly minimized with reduced-protein natural rubber latex gloves, the best alternatives available are completely latex free. PVC Gloves Polyvinyl Chloride, better known as PVC, is a plastic rather than a rubber, and is therefore completely synthetic—essentially removing the natural proteins entirely. While this means no latex allergies, there are other chemicals used in its production, so it is always best to check first before you use PVC gloves. As an alternative to latex gloves they are cheap, strong (thanks to the thick polymers they are made from) and provide excellent protection from exposure to chemicals and other hazardous liquids. They are, however, far less biodegradable than latex gloves, and when used in the large quantities most hospitals require, they will have a much bigger impact on the environment. Nitrile Gloves Without doubt the best alternative to latex gloves available today, nitrile gloves have become an extremely popular option in many hospitals and surgeries. This synthetic rubber is made from a combination of copolymers, not dissimilar to PVC, that produce an extremely tough and durable material to rival natural latex. Nitrile gloves have excellent protection qualities, especially when handling oil or petroleum-based products, and have even been shown to have lower failure rates than natural latex rubber gloves. You will be able to distinguish Nitrile gloves on the ward as they almost always come in blue or black colours, making it easier to spot punctures or tears. The number of wearers suffering from allergic reactions after using Nitrile gloves is below 1%, and this level of reliability has seen them become the most widespread alternative to latex in the medical industry. The only drawback with Nitrile gloves in their current form is the impact their frequent use has on the environment. Much like PVC, synthetic Nitrile polymers are extremely slow to breakdown naturally. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, with the first biodegradable Nitrile gloves already beginning to hit the market. These gloves do come at a price though, and until they become a little more cost effective, most hospitals won’t be rushing to stock up on them. Until biodegradable Nitrile gloves become widely available, the best alternative to latex gloves remains Nitrile gloves. Prioritising the safety and comfort of healthcare professionals and patients with latex allergies must take precedent to ensure the ongoing provision of top-quality care in Australia’s healthcare system. Medshop Australia stocks a wide variety of Nitrile gloves, as well as traditional latex ones, to meet the needs of all professionals in the medical industry. Discover our range today and browse the rest of our healthcare industry supplies on the Medshop website
October 01, 2018
Medshop Editor
The Better AED; Zoll AED 3 vs. Heartsine Samaritan
All averages being equal, if you suffer a cardiac arrest, you stand a one in ten chance of survival. That number goes up if you have one near someone who knows CPR, and goes up even more if there is an AED unit nearby. In fact, these numbers have been slowly ticking up every year since we started tracking this data. Most organizations divide heart attacks by those in public settings, otherwise known as Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCAs) versus those under the watchful eye of medical professionals. Should you have one, you may have mixed feelings about being in a hospital when it happens. Sure, it’s nice to be in the ideal place to have one, but it begs the question: why were you there in the first place? The solution isn’t to move the public into hospitals full-time. What will push the needle past the ten per cent mark faster? Do we empower the public or hold out for artificial intelligence (AI) to save more lives? Since we’re not yet there with AI, we need more access to AEDs and more people who aren’t afraid to use one. To cover the largest segment of situations, we must get more AED units where people can access them quickly. We also have to make sure they know where those AED units are located, but that’s a whole ‘nother blog. To get more units in more places, we have to then ask, which AED unit is most ideal for the most situations? AED Companies There are a few companies that specialize in this equipment. As such, we only carry five AED manufacturers, but two always rise as the most popular, Zoll and Heartsine. Zoll makes AED units which work with parts made by another AED manufacturer, Laerdal. They make the accessories that go with Zoll’s units, like pads, batteries, and other parts. The other company that some feel is a better option is Heartsine. We’ll get into why that might be in a second. Heartsine operates as a self-contained manufacturer of parts and units. Both Zoll and Heartsine have compelling origin stories, also coming in a second. So who makes the better unit? Both of them offer friendly, fully-automated AED units. Zoll has their AED 3. Heartsine offers their Samaritan. We’re going to put them head to head in a second, but first, we should look at the Zoll and Heartsine brands. The best unit in the world is no good if made by a company that goes under tomorrow. Zoll AED Company Founder Paul M. Zoll was the first person to successfully use external defibrillation to regulate heart rhythms. That was way back in 1956, but Dr Zoll had been researching this technology for years before succeeding. For many decision-makers, this is all they need to know to decide on Zoll. No doubt, Zoll is a reputable brand from a reputable name, but Zoll Medical Corporation is not the company Dr Zoll started in the 50s. Today they produce a variety of defibrillators, and automated devices designed to monitor patients and keep them alive. Dr Zoll was so well regarded, Harvard University in the USA, made him their clinical professor of medicine, emeritus, in 1977. Three years later he incorporated the Zoll name, along with a cadre of investors. Over the next decade, the Zoll brand led the pacemaker and defibrillator market, going public in 1992. To this day, Zoll remains committed to Dr Zoll’s first mission, improving resuscitation through technology. Zoll, the man, passed away on January 5, 1999, but his vision remains strong in the company he created. Heartsine AEDs While it might sound like Zoll raised the bar too high for anyone else to compete in the market, that didn’t stop Heartsine from taking Zoll’s defibrillator idea to the next level. Prior to Heartsine, defibrillators were cumbersome operations, a key element of crash carts, plugged into strong power sources. They were not as portable, certainly not accessible as they are today. The founder of Heartsine, Professor John Anderson, ran in the same circles as Paul Zoll and as such, persued the similar goals. Anderson was a researcher in the 60s, one tasked to take what human knew about defibrillation and adapt it to a portable format. By 1966, other researchers had created a meaty (50 kilo) device that was somewhat portable, giving birth to the first mobile care units for coronary events. It didn’t take long for people in both Zoll’s and Anderson’s camps to realize that further portability was the future of AEDs, but it was Anderson who did it first in 1967. He had joined the original team of researchers to become part of the team that would change the future. With his help, they dropped the 50 kilos AED down to 20 kilos. It was still heavy, but it was more portable than the first version. By the 1970s, they’d brought it down to 7 kilos, rechargeable, and the new standard for defibrillation. For fans of Heartsine, Anderson’s early innovations is what makes them loyal fans. Zoll AED 3 A far cry from what Anderson's team first invented, the Zoll AED 3 a nice upgrade from its predecessor, the AED Plus. This is primarily due to the fully automated aspect of the unit plus the low cost of management. While the AED 3 does cost users more upfront (about $500) it saves them on accessory costs. Pads for the AED 3 work on both adults and children. They also last for five years, as does the unit’s battery. It gets better, though. because the AED 3 connects to your wireless network and can, therefore, connect to ZOLL’s PlusTrac™ AED program management system. This unit renders inspection nearly obsolete. If there is anything needed with the maintenance of your AED 3, you’ll receive an email alerting you to the matter right away. It also keeps track of pad and battery life so you also will receive notifications when those need replacing. The 3 comes in semi and fully-automated versions, but with the fully automated version, the unit is more available to more people. Other than carrying the actual unit, a mere 2.2 kilos, to a victim, and following the device’s instructions, the AED 3 does all the difficult work. It even recharges in ten seconds from a full battery. Of course, someone has to swap out new pads or a new battery if warranted, but it’s still a massive leap from Dr Zoll’s first external defibrillator. It won’t be long before AI does all the heavy lifting, defibrillation included. You can believe Zoll will be at the forefront of that technology. Let me see the Zoll AED 3 Heartsine Samaritan AED For their heavyweight contender, Heartsine offers their Samaritan AED unit, otherwise known as the 500p. If you thought the AED 3 was more impressive than the story of Dr Zoll’s own story, the Samaritan will at least equally impress you. It is also an automated device, but what the Heartsine Samaritan offers that other AEDs cannot is CPR feedback. It’s a point of fact that a combination of CPR and AED offers a cardiac arrest victim the best chance of survival. It’s true that even bad CPR is better than none at all, but the Samaritan aims to improve your compressions with constant feedback derived from feedback via the patient's nervous system. That way, as a first responder, you can deliver the most effective chest compressions with cues like “push harder” or “good compressions” from the Samaritan. What’s more, if you thought 2.2 kilos was a drastic drop in weight from those first portable defibrillators, the Samaritan comes in at half that weight, 1.1 kilos. EVERYONE can carry and use the Samaritan 500p. Let me see the Heartsine Samaritan 500p Which AED is the Best? For someone who wants an all-encompassing, lightweight unit that “does it all,” the Samaritan edges out Zoll’s AED 3 with a lighter design and more features. For users who prefer to work with a more popular brand, Zoll has more edge. Perhaps because of Dr Zoll’s name or more strategic marketing, Zoll outsells Heartsine. Rest assured, picking one over the other will prove little difference for saving lives over the other. They are both impressive units from two of the most important brands in the medical technology field. Regarding the depressing data on survival rates and what you can do. This is it: The Restart a Heart group intends to change this ten per cent survival data with their Restart a Heart Day, taking place on October 16. Medshop Australia is a proud sponsor of that event, and it is 100 per cent the reason behind us creating this blog. That, and giving you our two cents on the matter of AEDs. Let me see all the AEDs
September 04, 2018
Medshop Editor
Why the Biolight Pulse Oximeter is the Most Popular Brand
With so many options for pulse oximeters, most of which are good options, why does the Biolight line of pulse oximeters sell better than all the rest? It’s a good question, one I aim to answer in this blog. That said, this will not be a brand-by-brand review nor a how-to of pulse oximetry. It will not answer questions like, what does the pulse oximeter measure? We covered that back in March with the blog: How to Read a Pulse Oximeter. If you’ve read that piece, you may already have an idea of what Biolight offers that separates it from the pack of respectable competitors, Heal Force, and the most venerable of the bunch, Rossmax. The latter one takes up more half space at Medshop Australia, likely because of the Rossmax reputation across their entire line of medical technology. But… Biolight rises up as the most purchased, and arguably best oximeter for your money because it delivers a reliable measurement of oxygen saturation (SpO2) and a heart rate (BPM) every darn time. It’s as ideal for the clinic as it is for the home, unit depending. Which is the best oximeter? Um, was the question “the best,” as in the best? The answer to that question depends on how you want to measure "best"? Some would lean on feature-rich designs complete with OLED displays, pleth charts, anti-movement and ambient light blocking capabilities, and perhaps something that cleans itself and the dirty dishes. For anyone who has ever bought an electronic device or vehicle, they know the promise of feature-rich experiences can often be the biggest disappointments. More tricks mean a more adept user and could mean more aspects that break over time. For context, ask anyone who has purchased a pair of Bluetooth headphones in recent history about their experience. Best can more reliably be measured by competence, especially over time. The best oximeter will continue to aid the user in measuring her or her patient’s SpO2 and BPM with accuracy. It will do this without fail, and without breaking the bank. Biolight Begun in 1993, and headquartered in Zhuhai China, Guandong Biolight Meditech Co., Ltd is a relatively new company in the medical technology sphere. For comparison, competitor Rossmax has been around since 1988, which is also fairly young, but still more venerable than Heal Force started in 1989. All of this shiny newness hasn’t stopped Biolight from growing an internationally recognized brand for patient monitoring. They also deliver emergency care, fetal monitoring instruments, ECG, Hemodialysis renal care, and other digital health solutions. Biolight isn’t some fly-by-night company either. Since 2011 they have been an IPO, and their stock is currently traded on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The secret to their success, as they put it on their site is, “look[ing] beyond the technology to the experience of dedicated healthcare professionals and find inspirations in the needs of [their] customers.” As such, Biolight dedicates 10 per cent of their annual revenue to research. If that weren’t enough, Biolight also maintains many long-term relationships with top universities, global health organizations, health and social responsibility organizations. They stay actively involved in education, humanitarian missions, and patient care social projects. All of that and more goes behind every Biolight tool. What is the best oximeter for home use? Which of the Biolight oximeters is best for your at-home usage? Depending on your specific needs, there are more than one option in the Biolight lineup of oximeters. The most robust of the list is the Biolight M800 patient monitor, which is more like a computer than a simple oximeter. At the time of this writing, the M800 fetches $395.00, which is quite competitive considering it offers a hi-resolution colour OLED display for spot checking and continuous monitoring as you prefer. The continuous aspect will go for a full 16 hours on 3 AA batteries, which is incredible. Shop for the M800 NOW Most users will be content to use something smaller like a finger pulse oximeter. Biolight has two models, one clearly for adults, and one clearly for children. For adults, the SP02 is a great product at $88.00 (priced as of this writing). The pediatric version, which you know is for kids because it looks something like a cute blue penguin, with a display on its belly, is the same price as the SP02. In fact, it’s the same finger oximeter with the same name SP02, but with minor design differences. For children who might be afraid of medical devices, the non-threatening and cute bird face helps facilitate accurate readings. If you have kids, you can’t go wrong with this for keeping accurate measurements in the home. Are finger pulse oximeters accurate? As the finer oximeters outnumber the handheld versions, one must wonder if there is any compromise in their smaller designs? If your needs for tracking SpO2 and BPM require that you maintain continuous data, a finger oximeter isn’t going to do it for you. It may be nice to have for taking quick trips away from home, but in the long run, you’ll not want to stray too far from your handheld monitor. Check with your family doctor to be sure in any case. As far as accuracy goes, there is no oximeter which is 100 per cent accurate. There are simply too many variables to know that your reading is 100 per cent on point. Likely, however, if you are reading this blog you already know that. Finger pulse oximeters can be very effective for monitoring changes over time. The Biolight lineup is solid performers in this regard. So, what is the best pulse oximeter on the market? Pound for pound, measured by popularity, the Biolight line of oximeters rise up to the top every time. You'll get the most features for your investment with every one of their oximeters. You can shop the other manufacturers at Medshop Australia, and we’ll stand behind those products as we do with any of the products we carry. They’re all quality products. But, if you want to get the most for your money, you’re likely going to look at the Biolight oximeters first. If you have more questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Shop Biolight Pulse Oximeters
August 02, 2018
Medshop Editor
Hogies Safety Glasses; So Aussie, You’ll Cry Vegemite
For medical professionals, eyes rank next to (if not above) hands on the list of most important body parts outside the brain. Protection of this trio is high up on the list for brain surgeons and technicians alike. Frankly, we should all keep them in high esteem, but for those in medicine, careers ride on their proper function and partnership. The hands are critical for work, yes, but the eyes are of special concern as they don’t tolerate trauma well. Compared to the brain, encased in bone, the eyes have little more than a thin film of flesh and whispy eyelashes for protection. Many times that’s not enough. At least the hands can form callouses. They can even take a dash of chemicals for a few seconds or a crunch in the door jam. The eyes? Not so much. A splash of dangerous chemicals, blood, or even objects will always move faster or harder than the speed and strength of one’s natural eye protection. For this reason, safety glasses are a standard for many professionals. It can never hurt to don a pair of quality safety lenses. The landscape for styles is broad enough too. For some roles, a flimsy pair of mass-produced plastic lenses will serve better than nothing, but if you need something reliable there are better options. You needn't break the bank for them either. Brands like Prestige, Safetyquip, Kimberly-Clark, and of course, Hogies rise up as potential contenders for eye protection. Hogies, however, get so much right about safety and style, you can’t go wrong with them. Not only that, but Hogies is a family-run company started right here in Australia. They're so down under, you'll cry tears of Vegemite once you try them on the first time. There are a number of good reasons to consider Hogies, more than simply being Australian, beginning with the company's origin story. Who is Hogies Australia Pty Ltd? Over four decades ago, the Hogies brand of protective eyewear came into the world via Martin Hogan, the late founder of the brand. Since then, much has changed about the design and offerings of Hogies, but one thing has remained the same. As mentioned, Hogies is still a family-owned business. Since its inception, they've been a leader in eyewear design, evidenced by the many imitations. Most importantly to Australians, Hogies is a homegrown brand of medical tech. Being raised locally hasn’t slowed Hogies down any. The owners continue to present at international trade shows around the world. Hogies' collective reach is so far, it has extended outside this world. They’ve been involved with project specific designs for US space mission to create anti-glare environment eyewear. Even the Royal Australian Air Force has been a customer of Hogies, using Martin Hogan’s designs for years as standard issue eyewear. No doubt, Hogies is that local kid makes good story we all love. Why choose Hogies? If that last section didn’t tickle you in the kangaroo pouch, then try on this pitch: Hogies are durable, versatile, and they look cool. There is no other brand of safety glasses that could double as your fashion lenses without looking a bit off. If you’re wearing a pair of Hogies tinted lenses, especially one of the versions that feature anti-glare, you might prefer them to your store-bought glasses for driving or riding your motorcycle. Reason being? You’ll have a tough time scratching your Hogies. They’re designed to take abuse and keep on shining. The Eyeguard Grey Revos are a great example. They employ UV protection on top of standard Hogies features like adjustability, water repellent, and fog and scratch resistance. Hogies aren’t exactly Hollywood fashion frames, but they aren’t a slouch for fashion either. Their sporty look has been emulated by most sports glasses out there. You will not suffer this confusion with any of the other brands mentioned so far (although those other safety glasses make great products in their own respective rights). Where can I buy Hogies safety glasses? While you may be able to search for Hogies on sites like eBay or Amazon, you can’t be sure of the condition or authenticity. As stated, many have tried to emulate the Hogies’ look. Sadly, some have tried to rip it off too. You can’t be sure you’re buying a genuine pair of Hogies unless you purchase from a reputable distributor like Medshop Australia. We stock the most requested brands of Hogies and make sure that we have enough on the shelves to keep the whole country safe from flying debris. Can I use Hogies with a loupe? In most cases, you can add a loupe to your setup. Most mountable medical loupes will fit on a part of Hogies like a glove. This allows you to illuminate your work, adjust it to meet your unique prescription, and see what you need at most inter-pupillary distances and angles. Because Hogies are designed to fit comfortably, like they’re not even there, adding a loupe is tolerable to heavy glasses. Protect the parts of you that mean the most. Do it with style and comfort in a pair of Hogies safety glasses. While you're at it, toast up some bread. We've got some Vegemite to spread.
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