Due to the recent changes in global health and the impact it has had on the healthcare industry, medical-grade seals in healthcare are an integral component of the industry. The healthcare industry has continued to innovate in times of need due to various global health crises. And, the recent global pandemic has cast a major spotlight on the healthcare industry. From the supplies used to improve patient care and stop the spread of infectious diseases to protecting healthcare professionals on the front lines, medical equipment has never been so prevalent in the media and global conversation about health. 

The medical industry relies heavily on rubber parts and seals for a variety of uses in healthcare. Medical-grade seals must meet stringent requirements by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They are also required to undergo and surpass rigorous testing standards for use in healthcare. Two of the most common uses for medical-grade seals in healthcare include personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators.

Medical Grade Seals and PPE: 

PPE was a part of the medical community before the recent global pandemic. Now, the words are understood and shared in conversations among those who are not professionals in the healthcare industry. Medical-grade seals play a large role in the effectiveness of PPE equipment. This is because they can help seal equipment to keep out harmful bacteria, viruses, and other unknown pathogens that can affect the health of healthcare workers and their patients. Below are some of the most common PPE that rely on medical-grade seals.

• Facial respirators (half and full)
• Vented eye shields
• Air respiratory protection

Medical Grade Seals and Ventilators: 

Before the pandemic hit, ventilators did not exist as an everyday word people used in discussions. Now, however, they are of major concern as the availability and production of them became a huge topic due to the recent increase in need from the spread of Covid-19. Nevertheless, for medical equipment like ventilators (and some other medical equipment), medical-grade seals are necessary for the proper engineering and effectiveness of the machine. One extra requirement for the medical-grade seals in ventilators is that it must be biologically compatible with the environment. This means that the material must be able to perform properly and without any reaction to human tissue. This is vital as ventilators come into contact with human tissue and provide life-saving support to those impacted by the virus and other harmful medical conditions. In addition to ventilators, medical-grade seals are used in medical pumps, IVs, feeding devices, and implants.

Medical-grade seals are vitally important in a large number of life-saving devices and applications. And, various companies manufacture medical grade seals, which help engineer and build ventilators. This is crucial now more than ever as the pandemic has changed the medical field like never before seen in modern history. 

Medical-Grade Seals in 

Real Seal is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty seals products and mechanical component goods. Established in 1970, the company has had decades of experience in the industry with excellent consumer satisfaction. They offer a wide variety of performance-oriented plastic and rubber solutions for sealing and mechanical applications. As one of the most technologically advanced companies in the industry, Real Seal maintains a fully equipped laboratory with a full-time chemist and technical staff. The company can assist in design challenges and formulate materials to meet specific criteria, like medical grade seals. Contact Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your medical-grade seal needs.