The Doctor's Office Series, Part 4:  Exam Lamps and Medical Waste Receptacles

This is the forth article in the 'Doctor's Office' series where, as a patient, we walk through the doctor's office.  First we waited in the waiting room chairs, then we were called back to the interior office and got our blood test taken in the blood drawing chairs and then we had our temperature taken and stepped onto the scale to see how much we weigh.  Today we walk in light and cleanliness.

It is important, albeit a seemingly minor detail, for the doctor to clearly see his patient and also to keep the environment both clean and safe.  Therefore, let there be light...and waste receptacles.

       To be able to see a sore's discharge or to get a clearer look at an aberrational growth, a Gooseneck Exam Lamp allows the lamp to be placed in multiple positions around the patient, with an ability to aim the light directly where it is needed.  This chrome finished lamp has an inner/outer "cool shade" system with a UL approved, grounded three-prong cord.  This is a great basic exam lamp for any doctor's office.

       A similar lamp with a different look is the Medical Exam Lamp Dome Style lamp.  The gooseneck style allows a 360-degree adjustable radius to aim the light in any direction, and a weighted steel base which prevents tipping.  The lamp also has an adjustable height feature that goes from 46 inches to 72 inches.

       Another fine example of a medical lamp is the LED Illuminating Exam Light which offers very bright light without the heat of an incandescent bulb.  This 'green' and environmentally friendly LED medical lamp can offer a long life, thereby saving money while providing natural light which is good for the many patients who are photosensitive.

Going to a doctor's office, a person expects to experience a clean and safe environment, not one strewn with used exam gloves and used medical sharps, known as needles, and other biohazard items.  Also, due to the different accumulation of the daily medical refuse, it is very important for the doctor's office to separate the different types of medical waste for the safety of the refuse workers and the natural environment.  Medical waste cannot just be thrown into a dumpster, but must be gathered by a medical refuse specialist to be correctly disposed.  This is where good, solid, working, and in some cases, specially marked medical waste receptacles are important.

       The Clinton Round Red Waste Receptacle with biohazard labels is a must in every doctor's office.  These round receptacles have a steel outer shell in either stainless steel or enamel finishes.  A step-on foot pedal operated lid helps to keep skin contact to a minimum and the one-piece plastic base keeps the metal from contacting the floor.  It also comes with a removable inner bucket with a chrome handle which makes moving and cleaning easy.  Besides being the color of red which usually indicates biohazard waste, the receptacle also comes with two 'hazardous waste' labels.

       Another great style of a medical waste receptacle is the Clinton Premium Waste Receptacles in either red or white.  With a choice of either a six or eight gallon capacity combined with the easy-to-locate extra wide foot pedal, this waste receptacle is a helpful addition for any facility.  The heavy-gauge steel construction and its self-closing heavy duty lid operating system, interior bag holder, easy-clean non-textured finish and rubber base strip that protects flooring all combine to make this premium waste receptacle ideal and able to stand up to tough and daily usage.

       While waiting to see the doctor, what should a person do with their butts?  Many people calm their nerves by smoking a cigarette before seeing their doctor (I know, this is like eating a big slice of chocolate cake while waiting to see a dietitian) and any good doctor's office doesn't want a bunch of cigarette butts lying around the front door.  Therefore, the Innovative Free-Standing Smokers' Waste Can Station is a good thing to have sitting outside the office building.  This unique, fire-safe, galvanized steel-lined waste can creates a lack of oxygen and helps smother smoldering cigarette butts.  The top of the waste can has two stainless steel clasps that allow convenient removal for easy emptying. 

Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO