Surgical clippers are essential medical technology that remove hair in the one pass. They work to reduce the risk of compromised skin, something that can heighten the chances of contamination and, consequently, infection. They work just above the skin, and therefore avoid nicking, rashes and scratching, abrasion which could all lead to further complications.
But you need the right model for the job, as certain designs are made to provide the safest hair removal possible, while others are of a cheaper standard that could risk further complications.
Here are some questions to ask to ensure you get the right model for your needs:
Is it a reputable manufacturer?
When it comes to this imperative technology, you want to be sure you are purchasing a premium manufacturer for your medical inventory. For example, the 3M surgical clipper is the most renowned model in the industry, and is revered for being able to provide the highest precision clipping whilst greatly reducing the risk of nicking the skin.
For this reason, it is essential that you make the right inquiries as to who has produced the model, as the last thing you want is to purchase a cheap knockoff that could put the patient’s skin at risk of contamination.
Does it have a low nick rate?
The model’s ability not to nick the skin before a procedure is essential to ensuring the skin is safe from unwanted abrasions that could lead to further complications. Therefore, one of the things you should inquire about is the model’s nick rate – does it have a trusted blade that offers performance advantages in safety and precision?
You would likely want to choose a model that contains 9660 blades, as these have an away-from-skin cutting position that greatly reduces the risk of abrasions and surgical site infections (SSIs). A nick rate of less than 2% should be the standard of what you are looking for when it comes to this medical technology.
Does it have a pivoting head?
A pivoting head can make all the difference when it comes to surgical site hair removal. Gently conforming to the body’s contours, this design provides a highly precise, incredibly comfortable trimming experience, one that whilst providing a more comfortable experience for both provider and patient, also reduces risk of SSIs and other complications.
What’s more, it should be able to pass on both wet and dry skin, ensuring it is a highly dynamic model and one that can be used in a range of conditions.
Does it have a strong battery life?
As a medical professional, you will know that technology such as this has to be highly portable and usable in a range of medical locations. As such, you should be able to rely on the model’s ability to operate efficiently for a long time on a short charge.
The model you look for should have at least two hours battery life after having only been charged for a few hours, ensuring you can rely on the model regardless of whether it is attached to a power source or not!
Is it easy to clean?
The clipper should be easy to clean, ensuring that it can be quickly sterilised for use in another application. What’s more, it should be submersible to make it even easier to clean. This, alongside the other questions to ask, are the way to find the perfect clippers for your medical application!
