Many of today's modern medical advances can be directly linked to the use of plastics in medical procedures. From disposable syringes, tubes, and IV bags to modern joint and heart valve replacements, plastic medical device manufacturing is the key to safe, sterile, affordable, and technologically advanced health care procedures. Here's a closer look at medical plastic use.

What Are Medical Plastics Used for?

Today, plastics are used for nearly everything a patient encounters in a doctor's office or hospital. Syringes, speculums, medication packaging, bedpans, prosthetic limbs and joints, stents, and pacemakers are just a few of the medical supplies that are now constructed partially or fully out of plastic. Plastic medical device manufacturing drastically reduces the cost of production. 

It also means that the components are more precisely moldable and makes single-use supplies possible for the sake of sanitation. The result is more accessible and hygienic medical supplies at every modern hospital and doctor's office and a reduced risk of infections caused by shared supplies.

Can This Type of Plastic Be Recycled?

Medical-grade plastics can be recycled. However, in a hospital setting, contamination risk is high. Each hospital system operates under its own internal policies when it comes to waste management and recycling. 

Typically, in a hospital or medical office that participates in a recycling program, staff members like nurses, physician's assistants, or custodial team members are responsible for sorting and gathering plastics that have not been contaminated with bodily fluids but are no longer suitable for use with patients. These items will be recycled in much the same manner that household plastic waste would be.

Pacific Integrated Manufacturing in Bonita, CA, manufactures precision injection molding, assembly kitting, packaging, material procurement, thermoplastics, sterilization management, and custom automation cells for the medical and life science industries. For over 20 years, they have been a worldwide source of contract manufacturing. Visit their website or call (619) 921-3464 for a free medical device manufacturing quote.