The healthcare or medical industry uses special types of floor mats to prevent contamination and cross contamination in sterile medical facilities. These mats contain antimicrobial agents that trap, kill, and inhibit the growth of various bacteria, fungi, and germs. That is why they are also referred to as antimicrobial floor mats. But the more appropriate name for mats designed for the medical industry is medical floor mats. This is because although antimicrobial floor mats are used in the medical industry, they are also used in many other highly sensitive industries. This means that you can refer to all medical mats as antimicrobial mats but not all antimicrobial mats are medical mats. Anyway, the important thing to know is that all healthcare matting solutions are antimicrobial. In addition to contamination control, these matting solutions also provide floor safety, floor protection, and ergonomic comfort in medical work sites. There are several factors that you should always consider when buying these specialized floor mats and we are going to discuss the main ones below.
Consider Type Of Antimicrobial Agent
The most important thing that you should be concerned about when choosing healthcare matting solutions is the type of antimicrobial agent. There are many different antimicrobial formulas being used by various mat manufacturers to enhance the antimicrobial properties of these mats. You should consider the potency of antimicrobial agent. This will indicate the protective power of the mat or how capable the mat is in preventing contamination in the workplace. You should at least buy a medical mat with an antimicrobial agent that resists most Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and fungus.
Consider Longevity Of Antimicrobial Agent
You should also consider the longevity of the antimicrobial agent. The manufacturing process of the medical mat determines how long the antimicrobial agent will last. If the formula is manufactured directly into the production material of the mat, then you can expect it to last for a very long time. But if the antimicrobial agent was added after the mat was manufactured, then it will wear off with time.
Consider Anti Fatigue Properties
In addition to considering the antimicrobial properties of the healthcare matting solution, you should also consider its other functional properties. One important functional property is anti fatigue. Your medical mats should provide ergonomic comfort in the workplace. Remember that doctors and surgeons spend most of their working hours while standing. This can cause these medical personnel to get very tired, which can cause health problems and undermine their productivity. Anti fatigue medical mats will help enhance comfort and relaxation even when standing at work.
Consider The Quality And Durability Of The Mat
It’s very important that you always choose a high quality floor mat. Regardless of the type of mat, it should be of high quality and reasonable warranty. This will ensure that it functions properly and also that it lasts for a long time.
Consider Slip Resistance
Another important functional property is slip resistance. Make sure that your medical mats are anti-slip. This means that they will enhance traction when users are walking on them on wet slippery floors. And this will prevent accidental falls in the workplace.
Consider Site Of Installation
It’s also important to consider the site of installation. Medical mats are split into exam and surgical mats. You should buy the right mats to enhance their functionality in the specific site of installation in the medical facility.
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