How To
Discover Medshop Australia’s comprehensive how to guides and learn more about a broad range of healthcare and medical industry topics. From using a ventilator and defibrillator to finding your nearest AED in an emergency, we have all the information you need. Subscribe to the blog or contact us today for more information.
October 14, 2020
Steven Cumper
How to Find Your Nearest AED in Australia
An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is an essential piece of life-saving equipment. Used to restore normal rhythm to the heart when a person is in cardiac arrest, an AED can have a big impact on a patient’s chances of survival. In order to help more people survive a cardiac arrest, and give members of the public access to this life-saving tool, AEDs have been installed in a number of locations across Australia. From hospitals and schools to gyms and shopping centres, these publicly available AEDs can help provide fast, effective treatment to a person suffering a cardiac arrest. October 16th is Restart-a-Heart Day in Australia and New Zealand. To mark this important occasion, and to help raise awareness of the importance of AEDs, we’re taking a closer look at these important life-saving tools. What is an AED? AED is used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm when a person is suffering a cardiac arrest. Unlike heart attacks, which are caused by a blockage in an artery to the heart, a cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. This malfunction results in abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, that make it very difficult for the heart to pump blood. The probability of survival decreases by 7% to 10% for every minute that a patient stays in a life-threatening arrhythmia. Quick, effective treatment is the best way to ensure a patient survives a cardiac arrest and isn’t left with long-term injuries. AEDs allow members of the public, or nearby medical staff, to administer life saving treatment before an ambulance arrives. These computerised defibrillators automatically analyse heart rhythms and administer a shock if an abnormal rhythm is detected. As the process is automated, the person using the defibrillator doesn’t need any medical training in order to provide assistance. This can save vital minutes in a medical emergency and help more people to survive a cardiac arrest. Where to find an AED in public places? In order to help members of the public, or medical personal, provide quick treatment to people suffering a cardiac arrest, AEDs are located in public and private buildings across the country. While many AEDs are registered, a lot aren’t. So knowing how to find AED equipment is essential. You’ll commonly find AEDs in large buildings and public locations such as: Hospitals – commonly found on hospital wards and in outpatient areas Community centres – often located in the foyer or reception area Schools – in the staff room or school office Office blocks – in the reception area or foyer Sports clubs – in the reception area or office Gyms – commonly kept close to exercise equipment like treadmills Shopping centres – in central locations like information desks Public libraries – in the reception area If you see someone having a cardiac arrest and are near one of these locations, they should be your first port of call when looking for an AED. When looking for an AED, keep your eyes peeled for an AED wall sign identifying its location. These signs should be installed next to every device to make them easier to find. How to find my nearest AED? There are a number of ways to find your nearest AED in Australia. One option is to head off on foot to one of the locations listed above. This can often be the quickest way of finding an AED. However, as not all offices, schools, sports clubs and gyms will have an AED, there are no guarantees your search will be successful. What’s more, as access to many of these locations will only be possible during opening hours, you’ll have to double check your watch when looking for an AED. The easiest way to find your nearest AED in Australia is to use the AED Locator app. Using the app to find AED machines close to you could save crucial minutes in an emergency. The AED Locator app has been specifically designed to help members of the public locate an AED fast. It uses the GPS on your phone to find your location and match you with the nearest AED. The app features an interactive map that will help you find the AED as quickly as possible. As well as helping you locate your nearest AED, the app allows you to report missing AEDs. This is incredibly important as a missing AED could put someone’s life at risk. You can download the AED Locator app here. Alternatively, you can find your nearest AED by checking the St John’s Ambulance website. This lets you view locations of nearby AEDs and also register an AED if you have one on your property. Click here to visit the St John’s ambulance site. Restart-a-Heart Day On October 16th, Australia and New Zealand will celebrate Restart a Heart Day. Taking place at the same time as Shocktober, an AED awareness campaign by Ambulance Victoria, the day will be used to promote information about cardiac arrests and teach people what to do if they see someone in distress. Every year, around 34,000 Australians and New Zealanders suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. After 10 minutes without intervention, the damage caused by cardiac arrest is nearly irreversible. If you know how to find an AED and what to do when someone has a cardiac arrest, you could significantly boost their chances of survival. To mark Restart-a-Heart Day, we’ll be offering 5% off of AEDs for the remainder of October. Use code: RESTARTHEART5 at the checkout. Find out more, and learn about the AEDs and other life saving products we offer, by exploring the Medshop site today. Author: Steven John Cumper, B.App.SC. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong foundation in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine, who founded and led Medshop to international success, culminating in its acquisition by the Bunzl Group in September 2021, where he continues to serve as Managing Director (Medshop Group).
September 27, 2020
Steven Cumper
What is a Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscope and How to Use One
In order to carry out accurate and useful physical examinations, doctors need access to high quality tools and diagnostic equipment. Welch Allyn has been producing precise, reliable medical products for over 100 years. Founded in 1915, the manufacturer has grown to be one of the most trusted in the industry, and today it supplies its high-quality tools, parts and accessories to healthcare professionals and research centres around the world—covering everything from traditional stethoscopes to iPhone enabled ophthalmoscopes. Welch Allyn was founded when Dr. Francis Welch and William Noah Allyn developed the world's first handheld, direct illuminating ophthalmoscope. The tool has been a big part of the company’s identity since the beginning and continues to be one of its most recognisable products. It's also among its biggest sellers, with hospitals and healthcare facilities around the world placing their trust in the Welch Allyn name. Here then, to help you choose the correct ophthalmoscope for your needs, we take a closer look at the Welch Allyn ophthalmoscope range, how you use it, and what value it can add to your medical practice. What is a Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscope? A Welch Allyn ophthalmoscope is an ophthalmoscope produced by specialist medical manufacturer Welch Allyn. It’s one of the brand’s signature products and is sold in countries around the world—either as a standalone tool or part of a complete diagnostic set that may also include an otoscope and aneroid sphygmomanometer. An ophthalmoscope is an instrument used to examine the retina. If you’ve ever been for an eye test or visited an ophthalmologist, there’s a good chance they would have taken a look at your retina with an ophthalmoscope. There are two main types of ophthalmoscope: direct and indirect. Direct ophthalmoscopes are used to examine the centre of the retina whereas indirect ophthalmoscopes check the entire retina. Welch Allyn ophthalmoscopes use either halogen illuminators or SureColor LED technology. This ensures excellent illumination and allows medical professionals to see all elements of the retina. Welch Allyn ophthalmoscopes come in a range of different sizes and designs. The Welch Allyn pocketscope LED ophthalmoscope is light, compact and easy to transport. The Welch Allyn 3.5 V ophthalmoscope is an advanced instrument with a range of specialist features, while the Welch Allyn Pocket Junior ophthalmoscope is the brand’s most basic model. Other features include, rechargeable lithium-ion power handles for increased running time when compared to standard devices, a range of diopter configurations, digital connectivity through the Welch Allyn iExaminer platform, and advanced coaxial ophthalmoscopes designed to enable easy entry to the eye for increased field of view, true tissue colour and reduced glare. How Do Ophthalmoscopes Work? Ophthalmoscopes work by illuminating either a dilated or undilated eye with an LED or halogen light. This allows the medical professional to see the various elements that make up the back of the eye and check for a number of injuries and conditions. The part of the eye that ophthalmoscopes focus on is called the fundus. It’s made up of the retina, the optic disc and a collection of blood vessels. Ophthalmologists will check the fundus when screening for diseases and conditions that affect the eye. It’s also often included in standard eye examinations. An ophthalmoscope can be used to check for: Damage to the optic nerve Retinal tear or detachment Glaucoma Macular degenerations Melanoma Diabetic retinopathy Hypertension Infection More advanced ophthalmoscopes offer doctors the ability to alter the aperture, lens and aperture/filter combinations to gain a larger view of the fundus. This can help specialists to make a more accurate diagnosis. How to Use a Standard Ophthalmoscope from Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscopes should always be used by trained professionals. While the instruments are non-invasive, incorrect use can still potentially cause damage to the eye. When using an ophthalmoscope, it’s essential the patient is seated and still and the correct working distance maintained. Exam lights in the room need to be turned down low, or switched off completely, to optimise the view of the fundus. Welch Allyn ophthalmoscopes are very intuitive to use. Adjustments can be made to the lens, lighting and filter simply by moving switches and dials on the ophthalmoscope head. Most of these adjustments can be made without removing the ophthalmoscope from the eye, allowing doctors to fine tune their examination quickly and easily. Filters can be applied to the ophthalmoscope to check different parts of the eye. Red filters are used to look closely at the blood vessels and a red-free filter or cobalt blue filter can be used to check for corneal abrasions or ulcers with fluorescein dye. Slit apertures allow doctors to look at contour abnormalities of the cornea, lens or retina and grids can be used to approximate the relative distance between any retinal lesions found during the examination. What is the Difference Between Retinoscope and Ophthalmoscope? A retinoscope is an instrument used to carry out retinoscopies. A retinoscopy is an exam that’s used to determine the refractive error of the eye. This allows medical professionals to diagnose patients that are farsighted, nearsighted or have astigmatism by examining the field of view. During the retinoscopy, light needs to be moved quickly from side to side. From the speed and direction that light moves across the eye, opticians and ophthalmologists can estimate the level of refractive error. Ophthalmoscopes are unable to provide this type of fast moving illumination. The existing Welch Allyn catalogue also includes a range of retinoscopes. These are often sold in conjunction with ophthalmoscopes. How Do You Use Ophthalmoscopes For Red Reflex? The red reflex refers to the reddish-orange reflection of light from the back of the eye that can be seen during an ophthalmoscopy. Checking the red reflex is important as abnormalities in the reflex can point to a more serious issue. When using an ophthalmoscope for red reflex, it’s important the lights in the room are turned down low. Doctors should use a direct ophthalmoscope and the lens power should be set at ‘0’. The doctor should sit around 50cm from their patient and place the ophthalmoscope close to the eye. The patient should then be asked to look straight into the ophthalmoscope. When the doctor looks through the ophthalmoscope into eye, they should see the bright red reflex. The colour and brightness of the red reflex should be identical in both eyes. If it isn’t, this may indicate a problem and further tests should be carried out. What is The Meaning of Fundoscopy? A fundoscopy is an exam that looks in detail at the fundus of the eye. It’s also known as a fundoscopic exam. An ophthalmoscope is generally used to carry out fundoscopies as they provide doctors with excellent visuals and a choice of useful tools and filters. Investing in a high quality Welch Allyn ophthalmoscope is an excellent way for ophthalmologists and other medical professionals to provide their patients with high quality care. Find out more, and learn about the Welch Allyn ophthalmoscopes we offer, by exploring the Medshop store today. Additionally, stay tuned to the Medshop blog for more information on healthcare equipment and supplies, as well as advice and guidance on everything from cleaning up a broken mercury thermometer to choosing the best stethoscope for your practice.
April 28, 2020
Medshop Editor
Gloves and Masks — Who Should Wear Them and Why
Over the past few months, as the coronavirus crisis has unfolded around the globe, one usually uncontentious element of viral protection has become highly controversial. The subject of PPE, in particular of masks and gloves, is now hotly debated by health authorities, hospitals, medical professionals, and politicians alike, with no one seemingly able to come to a definitive conclusion on who should wear them and for which reasons. Today, depending on your particular location, you might be mandated by law to wear masks whenever you leave the house. On the other hand, in certain places, you might be advised not to purchase masks or gloves in order to ensure healthcare facilities do not run short of stock. People are confused, and with good reason. So, who should wear masks and gloves? And what is the current guidance for Australia? Here, we take a look at the subject of PPE and why there is so much confusion on when and where it should be used. Who Should Wear Masks? There are a number of issues surrounding the subject of protective masks, and to make matters more complicated, two of the most recognisable global health bodies, the WHO and the CDC, disagree. The WHO currently states that: “If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.” and that you should “wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.” However, the CDC has recently revised its guidance on mask wearing, now suggesting: “…wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.” Among the reasons for the conflicting advice, from both these two bodies and various other outlets, is the types of mask used and their efficacy. Until now, the use of simple cloth masks or cheap PPE masks was thought to be counter-productive. Poor fitting masks require regular adjustment, meaning individuals need to touch their faces more often and increase the chances of contracting the virus. Additionally, when it comes to more advanced masks such as N95 respirators, not only are fit tests required to ensure a proper seal is formed, but supply/demand issues mean that this type of mask should be reserved for healthcare professionals and hospitals. Finally, the use of safety face shields may be seen in supermarkets and other customer-facing environments such as pharmacies, but again, these should be reserved for frontline and essential services workers. Currently, there is no official guidance from the Australian government on wearing masks in public, however, this doesn’t rule out a u-turn in the coming weeks, with many other countries changing their advice as the crisis grows. If you want to err on the side of caution, then you can make a perfectly serviceable mask at home, or purchase one here. Who Should Wear Gloves? When it comes to protective gloves, the advice is a little clearer. Gloves do not, and never should, replace comprehensive hand hygiene. In fact, in most cases, washing your hands regularly and thoroughly is preferable to wearing any kind of sanitary glove, since wearing them may lead to people becoming less prudent with hand hygiene. In hospitals and healthcare environments, gloves are used for specific purposes and then disposed of immediately. The potential for the misuse of gloves by the general public, is one of the reasons that they are unlikely to be mandatory, and over reliance on this type of PPE can lead to shortages elsewhere. Exceptions include those in food preparation, or for anyone who has any kind of open wound. Again, there is no advice from the Australian government on glove wearing outside of the healthcare sector, and stockpiling gloves could have a knock-on effect on the healthcare sector’s ability to effectively equip those most at risk. The bottom line is, unless you are obligated to wear masks and gloves by law or according to health & safety advice, then its probably better not to. However, for more information on whether this advice changes in Australia, stay tuned to the Medshop blog.
April 20, 2020
Medshop Editor
Hand Hygiene Australia — The Medshop Guide to Washing Hands Correctly
Australia’s experience of the novel coronavirus has been, to date, less severe than the in US and many European countries. However, as states continue with lockdown measures and the government discusses the possibility of a mandatory app to trace citizens’ contact with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 carriers, it is clear that the threat is far from over. The calls to remain at home or self-isolate, to wear masks and follow stricter hygiene protocols, and to minimise contact with others wherever possible, are now recognised as entirely necessary. The efficacy of these measures abroad is reflected in the flattening of the curve, and as long as everyone recognises these responsibilities, it is hoped that catastrophe can be avoided. So, in order to reaffirm sanitary protocols and remind everyone part of mitigating the spread of the virus is simple as maintaining hand hygiene, here we detail the correct hand washing procedure to keep it fresh in your mind. When to Wash Your Hands Washing your hands should now be routine, and whenever you have returned home after being outside, or after you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze you should wash your hands thoroughly. However, there are plenty of other occasions when you should go through the process, and maintaining good habits now will protect you when lockdown measures are eased. Washing your hands often is important during the crisis, and during these key moments you should take extra care, both before and after: Preparing food Eating and drinking Using the toilet Touching garbage Handling pets Changing nappies or cleaning children Caring for the sick Treating a wound Additionally, with the rise of home deliveries of essential items and food, it is important to wash your hands after receiving packages, bags of food, or other items. Finally, any trip to the pharmacy or handling of pharmaceutical goods should always be preceded and followed by a thorough hand washing. Hand Washing Steps The correct hand washing procedure is simple and only takes a few minutes at most, however, there are a few crucial points that should be adhered to: Remove All Jewellery and Other Items Jewellery such as rings or bracelets make it more difficult to wash your hands thoroughly. Additionally, plasters or bandages should be removed wherever possible as these can be home to pathogens. Once you have completed washing your hands, fresh ones can be applied. Wet Hands and Apply Soap Using warm to hot water, wet your hands thoroughly and apply standard soap or liquid soap. Warm water is generally better as this helps to kill pathogens and allows the soap to work more effectively, however, when used with soap, cold water is also effective. Lather and ScrubLather the soap and scrub your hands for AT LEAST 20 SECONDS. Rub them together, lather the backs of your hands and also between your fingers. Ensure you spread the soap around and under your nails.Rinse Your HandsRinse your hands under warm water where possible and remove all of the soap. Continue rubbing your hands together as you do this. Dry Your HandsWhere possible, dry your hands with an air dryer. Alternatively, a clean towel or paper towel should be used. Dirty towels can help to spread pathogens. Other Points to Think About Following these simple handwashing procedures will help to minimise the threat of transmission of the virus between you, your family, and anyone else you may come into contact with. However, while out of the house, it is important to maintain hygiene standards even when handwashing facilities are difficult to access. In these instances, hand sanitiser or another alcohol-based hand cleaning product should be used to help mitigate infections. While not as effective as handwashing procedures, they can be extremely useful when out and about.
November 01, 2019
Medshop Editor
What Your Mother Never Told You – How to Clean Your Scrubs!
Easily the most recognisable item of clothing in the industry, the humble medical scrub is exposed to all sorts of fluids and discharges on a nurse’s routine shift—which as everyone knows could see them end up getting rather dirty. Your scrubs may well be the first thing a patient sees, and it’s always great to make a good first impression. However, not only is it essential to keep your scrubs clean for a professional appearance, it is also vitally important that they are safe to use on your next shift. As many experienced nurses know, this means you will probably find yourself standing over the washing machine on a regular basis—and in case you were wondering how best to clean your scrubs, we’re here to help! As the healthcare industry has moved beyond standard green scrubs, nurses can now choose from a wide variety of colours when it comes to their most essential piece of workwear from black scrubs to blue or pink. Despite this leap forward in style, no one has yet created a set of scrubs that are totally safe from the traditional stains you will likely pick up on the job. That is why we wanted to share with you a few tips to keep your scrubs clean and safe. Unfortunately, washing medical scrubs like normal clothes won’t do the job properly, and could ultimately put your patients at risk or force you to purchase new scrubs more often than you’d like to. With this in mind, you should always wash your scrubs separately, not only for their care but also to ensure your normal laundry doesn’t get infected by accident. The process for cleaning your scrubs includes three stages—pre-treatment, washing (which should be done twice), and finally, drying. How to Clean Your Scrubs – Step One The first step in the washing process is to pre-treat your scrubs by soaking them in cold water containing half a cup of white vinegar. The scrubs should be turned inside out to protect the fabric, especially if they are 100% cotton, as this will reduce the fading of their colour and increase the lifespan of your garments. Vinegar is a more eco-friendly way of treating the fabric instead of using traditional conditioners, it also acts as a mild disinfectant at this stage. How to Clean Your Scrubs – Step Two Once your scrubs have been soaked, they are ready for the first washing machine cycle. Depending on how soiled the items are, or if there are particularly stubborn stains on the scrubs, you can use a colour safe stain remover before washing. This first cycle should be done with cold water and regular old detergent. Before the second washing cycle, check the scrubs for stains before adding a colour safe bleach for a more thorough disinfecting action. Always add bleach separately to your washing machine’s dispenser, and never pour directly onto clothing. Other alternatives to regular bleach include pine oil disinfectants, although these are not as strong as normal bleach it is an effective natural product for those that are more environmentally conscious. At this stage the washing cycle should be done with warm water and include normal detergent again in addition to the bleach products and stain removers mentioned previously. How to Clean Your Scrubs – Step Three After this final wash your scrubs should now be ready for drying. The first step is to put them in a tumble dryer on the highest heat possible for at least 30 minutes, this is to ensure any remaining bacteria or viruses that might have survived the two-stage washing process are killed. The final step is to take out your scrubs and iron them nicely—this is purely cosmetic and will ensure you keep up that all important professional appearance on the job. In case you were wondering how to tackle specific stains on your scrubs we’ve included some final, handy tips for removing the toughest of stains : Blood - always soak blood stains in cold water, using hot water only makes it worse by setting the blood proteins deeper in the fabric. Once it’s had a good soak use some heavy-duty detergent on the stain and leave for 10 minutes before washing as normal. Vomit, Urine or Faeces - we’re sorry that these disgusting stains are sadly all too common! Fortunately, however, they can easily be removed. Much like blood stains they are protein based and should be soaked in cold water before washing. You can then use a heavy-duty detergent on a normal wash while chucking in half a cup of baking soda to take care of any smells. Ointments - these oil-based stains require hot water to remove. Never rub the stain directly as this will only make it worse. Apply some strong detergent, leave for 10 minutes and then wash as normal. Iodine - one of the toughest stains in the business. Start by soaking the affected area in warm water with an enzyme-based pre-soak product or heavy-duty detergent. After 20 minutes you can wash in the machine with an oxygen-based bleach to remove the last decolourisation. But please take care with the colour of your garment—get it wrong and you’ll be buying new scrubs!
August 14, 2019
Medshop Editor
Choosing the Best Sphygmomanometer for Everyday Use
They’re easy to use but difficult to pronounce (at least at first). That’s right, it’s every nurse’s favourite piece of equipment, the sphygmomanometer. As one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in hospitals, choosing the right kind of sphygmomanometer is very important—whether you are on the job or still studying. Here at Medshop, we have a range of the best sphygmomanometers designed specifically for nurses. They’re perfect for everyday use and come in a range of different designs to ensure you have the right tool for any job. However, choosing the best sphygmomanometer for your role isn’t always simple. So, to help you along the way, we’ve compiled a list of high-quality equipment that won’t let you down. Read on to discover more about our range of sphygmomanometers and choose the best one for your studies or job. The Best Sphygmomanometer for Nurses When it comes to choosing the best sphygmomanometer for nurses, there’s a few avenues you can take, and your choice will very much depend on the most common applications. There’s the traditional route or the more innovative route. Additionally, there’s your patients to consider, and there’s rarely a one sphygmomanometer fit all approach. Here then, we look at three types of sphygmomanometer that can be useful to you. Standard Aneroid Sphygmomanometer Standard aneroid sphygmomanometers, such as this one, are instantly recognizable and somewhat iconic. They offer great value for money and include everything you need in a handy carry case. This includes gauge, cuff, and the classic bulb pump. They are easy to use and maintain thanks to their simple design, and they can be quickly recalibrated after extended use. Standard aneroid sphygmomanometers are a great choice for student nurses, since they offer reliability and accuracy without breaking the bank. They also offer intuitive operation and, when referring to your study materials, it is likely that this type of sphygmomanometer will be referenced. Palm Style Aneroid Sphygmomanometer Palm style sphygmomanometers, like this, are a relatively new design that improves on the traditional bulb pump mechanism. These sphygmomanometers offer tactile pumping for both left and right handers using soft touch casing and a low-profile pump. They also include features such as improved air release valves and no pins stop. This type of sphygmomanometer is great for nurses who must take the blood pressure of lots of patients in a short space of time, reducing hand fatigue and improving comfort. Infant and Paediatric Sphygmomanometer For nurses who regularly work with children, a specialist infant and paediatric sphygmomanometer is the best choice. This type of equipment offers the same kind of functionality as other sphygmomanometers; however, they are presented in a range of colourful and playful finishes that can help to distract anxious children. For nurses studying or entering paediatric wards, this type of sphygmomanometer is a vital addition to your existing tools and equipment, allowing you to easily take the blood pressure of infants and children. Best Sphygmomanometer Brands When it comes to finding the best sphygmomanometer brands, there are two names that stand out. Here, we take a look at Welch Allyn and Prestige to see what they have to offer when it comes to high-quality sphygmomanometers Welch Allyn Welch Allyn is a highly respected name in the world of medical equipment, and it is no surprise that their sphygmomanometers are among the best around. The Welch Allyn DS66, for example, maintains highly accurate readings while improving durability through its DuraShock technology. This major innovation removes the need for gears within the equipment, ensuring that regular calibration is a thing of the past. They are lightweight, include comfort grips, and offer other practical features such as latex free materials and one-finger deflation triggers. They are also certified to an accuracy of +/- 3mmHg, ensuring the DS66 is the best sphygmomanometer for nurses who require the highest quality professional tools. Additionally, a broad range of accessories and spares, such as these reusable blood pressure cuffs, ensure your Welch Allyn sphygmomanometer is always up to the task—however often it is used and in whatever conditions. Prestige Prestige aneroid sphygmomanometers, while sitting at the budget end of the market, still offer superb functionality and usability. Ideal for student nurses looking for the best entry level sphygmomanometer to use during their studies, they provide great value for money without compromising on accuracy or reliability. Spare cuffs suitable for children, adults, and large adults are included within the specially designed carry case, while latex-free design improves comfort and safety. Available in a range of colours, Prestige also offer sphygmomanometers designed with eye-catching patterns made specifically for children. Finally, with a lifetime calibration warranty on Prestige products, you can rest assured that your sphygmomanometer will outlast your studies and serve you for many years to come.
July 31, 2019
Medshop Editor
What to Do if You Break a Mercury Thermometer
The evolution of the thermometer begins with the Greeks, with Hero of Alexandria recognising that certain substances expand and contract dependant on temperature. At that time, it was simply a water/air interface that was more of a scientific curiosity than a piece of practical equipment. It took another 1600 years for the first device that we might recognise to be invented, however this type of thermometer designed by Giuseppe Biancani in 1617, was actually called a thermoscope. Fast-forward another century and Dutch inventor and scientist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit introduces the world to the first reliable thermometer. This was the first type of thermometer to use mercury instead of water/alcohol mixtures, and it was this design that would remain in use until after the Second World War. Today, that iconic mercury-based design has all but been replaced by other types of thermometer, however, while digital now rules, in Australia, they are more prevalent than in most other western countries. Australia still allows the sale and use of mercury thermometers, while most of Europe and USA has outlawed their use in medical facilities due to the high toxicity of the substance itself. Today, in many cases, alternative types of thermometer are used either alongside mercury-based devices or as replacements. Here, we take a look at the different types of thermometer used today and what to do if your toxic mercury thermometer breaks. Types of Thermometer Available Today Digital Thermometers – Digital thermometers are among the fastest and most accurate. Readings can be taken from under the tongue, the rectum, or the armpit in the same way as a traditional thermometer. Ear Thermometers – Otherwise known as tympanic thermometers, this type of thermometer uses infrared light to make temperature reading. Non-contact Thermometers – Non-contact thermometers also work with infrared to provide readings without contacting the body. They are probably the least accurate but can be useful for children. Glass Thermometers – Traditional glass thermometers are still available, using either mercury or another substance such as alcohol to provide a reading. Using a Mercury Thermometer? Here’s What to do if it Breaks The first thing to remember if you break a mercury thermometer is that the silvery substance contained within those glass tubes has the potential to be highly toxic. Of course, identifying whether it is really mercury in your thermometer is an important step, however, it is always better to be safe than sorry. To help you identify whether the type of thermometer you are using is, in fact, mercury-based, ask yourself: Is the liquid silver? If it is not, then it is most likely to be an alcohol-based thermometer. If it is, then it may be either a mercury or a non-mercury thermometer. Does the thermometer contain any warnings? Sometimes, the paper calibration strip inside the thermometer will tell you which substance has been used. If there is no writing or warning, assume that it is mercury. Cleaning up Mercury Spills If your mercury thermometer breaks, then you can also identify whether the substance contained is mercury by observing its behaviour. Mercury is a liquid metal that has properties quite unique from other substances. Smaller droplets will pool together into a large sphere shape, which will break again into smaller droplets when pressure is applied. However, never touch mercury and take care not to scatter smaller droplets into hard-to-reach areas. When cleaning up after a mercury spill, you should be careful to NEVER do the following: • NEVER use a vacuum cleaner. This will disperse the mercury into the air • NEVER use a broom. This will break the mercury into smaller droplets and disperse them. • NEVER pour mercury down the drain. This can either damage plumbing, septic tanks, or sewage treatment plants while polluting at the same time. • NEVER walk around with mercury on your shoes of clothing. Additionally, you should prep the area where the mercury has been spilled by doing the following: • Ask people to leave the area ensuring no one walks through the mercury as they do so. Remove any pets from the area. Open all windows and doors to the outside and close doors to other parts of the building. • For absorbent surfaces, the contaminated items must be disposed of according to the guidelines below • For non-absorbent surfaces, clean-up is easier • Do not allow children or elderly people to help you clean up Instructions on How to Clean up Mercury Spills Put on latex, rubber, or nitrile gloves. Cover the affected areas with powdered sulphur, this will make the mercury easier to see and suppress any vapours. Pick up any broken glass or other debris, fold within a paper towel and place in a labelled, Ziplock bag. Use a piece of cardboard or plastic to gather mercury beads. Use slow sweeping motions. Darken the room and hold a torch at the low angle to check for any other mercury. Inspect the entire room. Use an eyedropper to draw up the mercury. Dispense onto a damp paper towel. Place the paper towel in a labelled, Ziplock bag. Place all items, including gloves, into a trash bag. Label the bag as hazardous and containing mercury. Go to the Australian Government Department of the Environment for details on how to properly dispose of mercury.
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