categories | search | user privacy | security | manufacturer warranty

Convalescent Care

There are two types of Extremity (Lymphedema) Pumps - Sequential and Intermittent . What is the difference? Click Here

Are compression garments (arm and leg sleeves) interchangeable? Click Here

Diabetic Supplies

Are the Unilet and Monolet lancets universal for all lancing devices? Click Here

Are blood glucose testing strips interchangeable? Click Here

Is control solution specific to the monitor being used? Click Here

What is the difference between a slip tip and a luer lock syringe? Click Here

Is there a one-piece lancet device with needle? Click Here

What is the average effective cooling time of the ice packs included in diabetic supply cases? Click Here

Diagnostics

Why does stethoscope tubing become stiff and rigid? Click Here

Do Littmann stethoscopes contain latex? Click Here

What is a tunable diaphragm? Click Here

Ostomy

When using presized skin barriers- how much larger than the stoma should the opening be? Click Here

When sizing cut to fit skin barriers- how much larger than the stoma should the flange be? Click Here

How do I switch from one manufacturer to another? Click Here

What is the difference between a Stomahesive™ and a Durahesive™ wafer? Click Here

What is the difference between the Softflex™, Flexwear™ and Flextend™ barriers? Click Here

How do you switch from a two piece to a one piece system? Click Here

Is AutoLock™ compatible with Natura? Click Here

Is the CenterPointLock™ system compatible with New Image™ products? Click Here

What is the difference between a Curaguard and a SecureLife skin barrier? Click Here

Can you mix pouches and skin barriers from different manufacturers? Click Here

Pain Management

Are leadwires for TENS units interchangeable? Click Here

Are electrodes used with TENS units interchangeable? Click Here

How long does a reusable carbon rubber electrode last? Click Here

When should cold therapy be used? Click Here

When should heat therapy be used? Click Here

Respiratory/Tracheostomy

What is a cuffed tracheostomy tube? Click Here

What does fenestrated mean? Click Here

What is a cuffless tube? Click Here

What is a Passy-Muir or Phonate™ speaking valve? Click Here

Urological/Incontinence

Are all extension tubings universal? Click Here

Are all continuous drainage bags usable with any condom catheter? Click Here

What is the difference between a Robinson and a Nelaton catheter? Click Here

Is there a latex-free brief? Click Here

What is a Tiemann catheter?Click Here

What is an "olive tip" catheter? Click Here

What makes a nephrostomy bag different than a leg or CD bag? Click Here

How long do reusable latex leg bags last? Click Here

Why use a vented drainage bag? Click Here

How can you improve wear time of an external catheter? Click Here

Do all external catheters have the same wear time? Click Here

What is the purpose of an anti-reflux valve on a drain bag? Click Here

Wound Care

Is there any compression bandage that is latex-free? Click Here

Are all wounds eligible for coverage by Medicare? Click Here

What is a debridement? Click Here

How can you debride a wound? Click Here

Convalescent Care Answers


Q: There are two types of Extremity (Lymphedema) Pumps - Sequential and Intermittent . What is the difference?
A: Sequential compression pumps deliver gradient compression to three independent garment chambers. Intermittent compression pumps deliver adjustable compression to a single chamber garment.
Back to Top>>


Q: Are compression garments (arm and leg sleeves) interchangeable?
A: No, you must use the garment that matches the type of pump (sequential or intermittent) as well as the manufacturer.
Back to Top>>


Diabetic Supplies Answers

Q: Are the Unilet and Monolet lancets universal for all lancing devices?
A: test
Back to Top>>


Q: Are blood glucose testing strips interchangeable?
A: No, they are specific to the glucose meter.
Back to Top>>


Q: Is control solution specific to the monitor being used?
A: Yes, each monitor has specific control solution.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is the difference between a slip tip and a luer lock syringe?
A: A slip tip syringe has a smooth pointed tip, a luer lock syringe has a threaded end, which twists and locks into a needle.
Back to Top>>


Q: Is there a one-piece lancet device with needle?
A: Yes, Hemolance™, a disposable single-use lancet with built-in needle protection system.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is the average effective cooling time of the ice packs included in diabetic supply cases?
A: Depending on the model, the refreezable ice packs stay cold about 4-6 hours.
Back to Top>>


Diagnostics Answers

Q: Why does stethoscope tubing become stiff and rigid?
A: Tubing becomes hard when exposed for long periods to the lipids found in human skin. Treat the tubing with a vinyl protector once a month to help slow down the process.
Back to Top>>


Q: Do Littmann stethoscopes contain latex?
A: With the exception of the Anesthescope and the Ploss Monitor, Littmann stethoscopes do not contain natural rubber latex or dry natural rubber as components.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is a tunable diaphragm?
A: A tunable diaphragm is a single sided chestpiece that is capable of picking up both high and low frequency sounds.
Back to Top>>


Ostomy Answers

Q: When using presized skin barriers- how much larger than the stoma should the opening be?
A: 1/4 inch
Back to Top>>


Q: When sizing cut to fit skin barriers- how much larger than the stoma should the flange be?
A: At least 1/2"h
Back to Top>>


Q: How do I switch from one manufacturer to another?
A: How do I switch from one manufacturer to another? See Conversion Chart for help. ONE-PIECE OSTOMY PRODUCT CONVERSION CHART CONVATEC HOLLISTERFIRST CHOICE ™ HOLLISTER HOLLISTER PREMIER ™ CONTOUR™I 022750 8647 1631 022751 8642 1632 022752 8648 022753 8643 022754 8649 022755 8644 022757 3677 1611 022758 3672 1612 022759 3678 1614 022760 3673 1615 022761 3679 1616 022762 3674 1617 022763 3675 022764 3637 1601 022765 3632 1602 022766 3638 1604 022767 3633 1605 022768 3639 1606 022769 3634 1607 022770 3635 022771 3631/3630 400598 8631 400599 8631 175777 8610 175778 8611 175779 8612 175780 8613 175781 8614 175782 8615 175783 8616 175784 8618 175785 8619 CONVATEC HOLLISTERFIRST CHOICE ™ HOLLISTERPREMIER ™ HOLLISTERCONTOUR ™I 650828 8467 650829 No Conversion / 1460 - CTF 8460 - CTF 650830 8462 650831 No Conversion /1460 - CTF 8460 - CTF 650832 8468 650833 8463 175790 8480 175791 8481 175792 8482 175793 8483 175794 8484 175795 8485 175796 8486 175797 8487 175798 8488 650476 3450 650477 3452 1711 650478 3458 1713 650479 3453 1714 650480 3459 1715 650481 3454 1716 650408 3450 1710 650422 3520 1700 175768 3450 - CTF 1710 - CTF 175769 3452 1711 175770 3458 1713 175771 3453 1714 175772 3459 1715 175773 3454 1716 175761 3520 - CTF 1700 - CTF 175762 3522 1701 175763 3528 1703 175764 3523 1704 175765 3529 1705 175766 3524 1706 022710 1796
Back to Top>>


Q: What is the difference between a Stomahesive™ and a Durahesive™ wafer?
A: Stomahesive™ is less flexible, lasts up to 7 days. Durahesive™ is more flexible and conformable, better for people with problem stomas and urostomies, lasts up to 2 weeks.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is the difference between the Softflex™, Flexwear™ and Flextend™ barriers?
A: Softflex™ is thin, gentle and lasts 3-5 days. Flexwear™ provides moderate wear for 5-7 days. Flextend™ provides extended wear, up to 14 days, and acts as a filler for skin folds.
Back to Top>>


Q: How do you switch from a two piece to a one piece system?
A: If using pre-sized barriers match the opening sizes, if using cut to fit use a one piece cut to fit device.
Back to Top>>


Q: Is AutoLock™ compatible with Natura?
A: No, AutoLock™ skin barriers must be used with AutoLock™ pouches.
Back to Top>>


Q: Is the CenterPointLock™ system compatible with New Image™ products?
A: No, New Image™ skin barriers must be used with New Image™ pouches.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is the difference between a Curaguard and a SecureLife skin barrier?
A: Curaguard barriers are for sensitive skin. SecureLife skin barriers have more aggressive adhesive and a higher meltdown point to fill skin folds or crevices.
Back to Top>>


Q: Can you mix pouches and skin barriers from different manufacturers?
A: No, today's new flange locking systems are made specifically to fit into each other. If you mix manufacturers you will not get a secure lock.
Back to Top>>


Pain Management Answers

Q: Are leadwires for TENS units interchangeable?
A: No, leadwires must match the manufacturer's unit.
Back to Top>>


Q: Are electrodes used with TENS units interchangeable?
A: Yes, as long as you match the connection- pin to pin, snap to snap, or use an adapter.
Back to Top>>


Q: How long does a reusable carbon rubber electrode last?
A: 6 months
Back to Top>>


Q: When should cold therapy be used?
A: Cold therapy is recommended for treating acute injuries including strains, sprains, bruises and burns. Apply cold therapy to reduce blood flow, ease swelling and minimize pain and muscle spasm.
Back to Top>>


Q: When should heat therapy be used?
A: Use heat to treat chronic injuries including stiff joints, aching muscles, headaches and backaches. Heat therapy promotes healing by stimulating blood flow and thereby increasing oxygen supply to the tissues.
Back to Top>>


Respiratory/Tracheostomy Answers

Q: What is a cuffed tracheostomy tube?
A: A cuff is like a balloon, filled with air, that occludes the trachea. With an inflated cuff, the patient breathes only through the tracheostomy tube.
Back to Top>>


Q: What does fenestrated mean?
A: A fenestrated tracheostomy tube has openings cut into it to permit the patient to breathe past the vocal cords and through the upper airway (nose or mouth) if desired.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is a cuffless tube?
A: A tracheostomy tube without a cuff that allows airflow through the mouth, nose and tracheostomy.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is a Passy-Muir or Phonate™ speaking valve?
A: A device designed to direct airflow past the vocal cords, giving the patient the ability to speak.
Back to Top>>


Urological/Incontinence Answers

Q: Are all extension tubings universal?
A: Yes, except for those used with reusable latex devices.
Back to Top>>


Q: Are all continuous drainage bags usable with any condom catheter?
A: Yes, but you need a specific extension tube for the McGuire type.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is the difference between a Robinson and a Nelaton catheter?
A: A Robinson has a hollow, round tip. A Nelaton has a solid tip.
Back to Top>>


Q: Is there a latex-free brief?
A: All Promise® and Tena® disposable incontinence products are latex-free, as is the packaging.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is a Tiemann catheter?
A: Also called a coude, this catheter has a curved tip.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is an "olive tip" catheter?
A: A coude catheter with an olive tip has an olive shaped ball on the tip meant to help break through obstructions in the urethra to make insertion easier.
Back to Top>>


Q: What makes a nephrostomy bag different than a leg or CD bag?
A: It has a special fitting that connects to the nephrostomy tube that is inserted in the kidney. These bags have a single or double connecting tube that drains into the collection bag.
Back to Top>>


Q: How long do reusable latex leg bags last?
A: About 3 months.
Back to Top>>


Q: Why use a vented drainage bag?
A: A vented drainage bag eliminates:
Pooling of urine at the tip of the catheter.
Discomfort caused by the vacuum which can lead to the catheter being pulled off prematurely.
Standing urine in the tubing, which reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
Leg bag ballooning.
Back to Top>>



Q: How can you improve wear time of an external catheter?
A: Use the correct size catheter. Be sure the skin is clean and dry prior to application.
Use NO oils, powders or lotions on the skin. Make sure the adhesive bonds to the skin by applying gentle pressure. Position the drainage collector bag carefully to avoid pulling and twisting of tubing.
Back to Top>>



Q: Do all external catheters have the same wear time?
A: No, wear time may vary according to how much adhesive there is on the product, from 24 - 72 hours.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is the purpose of an anti-reflux valve on a drain bag?
A: An anti-reflux valve prevents urine backflow into the tubing, which could lead to urinary tract infection.
Back to Top>>


Wound Care Answers

Q: Is there any compression bandage that is latex-free?
A: Yes, Comprilan® Short Stretch and CircAid® Thera-Boot.
Back to Top>>


Q: Are all wounds eligible for coverage by Medicare?
A: No. A course of treatment with wound dressings is covered by Medicare only if the wound is the result of surgical intervention or a debridement.
Back to Top>>


Q: What is a debridement?
A: A debridement takes place when all necrotic (dead, devitalized) tissue is removed from a wound and healthy tissue is exposed. A debridement takes place when all necrotic (dead, devitalized) tissue is removed from a wound and healthy tissue is exposed.
Back to Top>>


Q: How can you debride a wound?
A: There are 4 types of debridement:
Surgical
Autolytic, with a dressing
Chemical, with a debriding enzyme
Mechanical, with an irrigation procedure
Back to Top>>