UNIT I Medical Technology
UNIT I Medical Technology
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY:
Supporting Infrastructure:
ASSOCIATED BRANCHES :
Medical technology encompasses various branches or specialized fields that focus
on specific areas of healthcare
1. Biomedical Engineering: This field combines principles of engineering and
medical sciences to design, develop, and maintain medical devices, equipment, and
systems. Biomedical engineers work on the creation and improvement of
technologies used in healthcare, such as prosthetics, imaging systems, medical
implants, and rehabilitation devices.
It is important to note that the diagnostic process is not always straightforward, and
some conditions may be challenging to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms or
rare presentations. In such cases, ongoing monitoring, repeated testing, and
reassessment may be necessary to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
1. Establishing Quality Standards: Quality control begins with defining clear and
measurable quality standards that specify the requirements, characteristics, and
performance expectations of the product or service. These standards serve as
benchmarks against which the quality of the product or service will be evaluated.
2. Developing Quality Control Procedures: Procedures and protocols are developed
to guide the implementation of quality control measures. These procedures outline
the specific steps and methods to be followed to assess quality, monitor processes,
and detect and correct any deviations or defects.
3. Sampling and Inspection: Quality control involves inspecting and sampling
products or materials at various stages of production to assess their compliance
with the established standards. This may include visual inspections, measurements,
functional tests, and other forms of evaluation to identify any defects, deviations,
or non-conformities.
4. Data Collection and Analysis: Relevant data is collected during quality control
inspections and tests. This data is then analyzed to identify trends, patterns, and
potential issues. Statistical methods and tools, such as control charts, can be used
to analyze data and detect variations or trends that may indicate a need for
corrective actions.
5. Corrective Actions: When non-conformities or defects are identified, appropriate
corrective actions are implemented to address the root causes and prevent
recurrence. This may involve adjusting processes, reworking or repairing products,
conducting additional inspections, or improving training and education for
personnel involved.
6. Documentation and Record Keeping: Accurate documentation and record
keeping are essential in quality control. Records of inspections, tests, corrective
actions, and any other quality-related activities are maintained for reference and
audit purposes. These records serve as evidence of compliance with quality
standards and provide a historical perspective for continuous improvement efforts.
7. Continuous Improvement: Quality control is an iterative process aimed at
continuous improvement. Lessons learned from quality control activities are used
to refine processes, identify areas for enhancement, and implement preventive
measures to avoid future quality issues. Feedback loops and regular reviews help
identify opportunities for optimization and ensure that quality standards are
consistently met or exceeded.
GENERAL APPROACHES:
In quality control, there are several general approaches that organizations can
adopt to monitor and manage the quality of their products or services. These
approaches help ensure that the desired level of quality is consistently achieved.
Biomedical waste, also known as medical waste or healthcare waste, refers to any
waste material that is generated during healthcare activities, medical research,
diagnosis, or treatment processes. Biomedical waste may contain potentially
infectious, hazardous, or harmful substances that can pose risks to human health
and the environment if not handled and disposed of properly.
BIOMEDICAL WASTE:
Biomedical waste can come from various sources within healthcare facilities,
including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, dental offices, nursing homes, veterinary
clinics, and pharmaceutical companies. It includes a wide range of materials, such
as:
1. Waste Segregation: Waste segregation is the first step in waste disposal. It involves
separating different types of waste based on their characteristics and potential
risks. Common categories for segregation include general waste, recyclable waste,
hazardous waste, biomedical waste, and others. Segregation ensures that each type
of waste is properly managed and disposed of according to its specific
requirements.
2. Waste Collection: Once waste is segregated, it is collected from the source or
designated collection points. Waste collection may be carried out by municipal
waste management authorities, private waste management companies, or in-house
waste management teams. Collection methods can vary, including curbside
collection, containerized collection, or scheduled pick-ups from specific locations.
3. Waste Transportation: Waste is then transported from the collection point to the
appropriate waste treatment or disposal facility. Transportation methods depend on
the volume, type, and distance of the waste. Dedicated waste collection vehicles
equipped with appropriate containment measures are used to prevent spillage or
contamination during transportation.
4. Waste Treatment: Waste treatment methods are employed to reduce the volume
and potential risks associated with waste. The specific treatment methods depend
on the type of waste being handled. Some common treatment processes include:
Recycling: Recyclable materials such as paper, plastics, glass, metals, and certain
types of electronic waste are processed to recover valuable resources.
Composting: Organic waste, including food waste, yard waste, and certain
agricultural waste, can be composted to produce nutrient-rich compost for soil
improvement.
Incineration: Some waste, such as non-recyclable and hazardous waste, is treated
through controlled burning at high temperatures. This process helps reduce the
waste volume and destroy pathogens. Proper air pollution control measures are
implemented to minimize emissions.
Biological Treatment: Some types of waste, including certain organic waste and
sewage sludge, can undergo biological treatment processes such as anaerobic
digestion or aerobic decomposition to break down the waste materials.
Chemical Treatment: Hazardous waste and certain types of industrial waste may
require chemical treatment methods to neutralize or detoxify the waste substances.
5. Waste Disposal: After treatment, the waste is disposed of in an appropriate
manner. This can include:
Landfilling: Waste that cannot be recycled, composted, or treated through other
methods may be disposed of in designated landfill sites. Landfills are engineered
facilities designed to minimize environmental impacts and protect groundwater and
air quality.
Secure Land Disposal: Some hazardous waste or contaminated soil may require
special disposal methods, such as secure landfills or containment facilities
specifically designed to prevent environmental contamination.
Deep Well Injection: Liquid waste or certain types of hazardous waste may be
disposed of by injecting them into deep wells designed to contain and isolate the
waste from the environment.
6. Monitoring and Compliance: Throughout the waste disposal process, monitoring
and compliance with applicable regulations are essential. This includes tracking the
waste from generation to disposal, maintaining proper documentation, and
ensuring compliance with environmental and health and safety standards. Regular
inspections, audits, and reporting may be conducted to verify adherence to waste
management protocols.
METHODS OF WASTE DISPOSAL:
There are several methods of waste disposal that are commonly used to manage
and dispose of different types of waste. The choice of method depends on factors
such as the type of waste, its volume, its potential risks, environmental
considerations, and local regulations. Here are some of the commonly employed
methods of waste disposal:
Ethics and Code of Conduct are sets of principles and guidelines that govern the
behavior and actions of individuals or groups within a particular profession,
organization, or society. They provide a framework for making ethical decisions,
promoting integrity, and ensuring responsible conduct. Here's an explanation of
ethics and code of conduct:
Ethics:
Ethics refers to the moral principles and values that guide human behavior and
distinguish between right and wrong. It involves examining questions of what is
morally acceptable and how individuals should behave in various situations.
Ethical principles are based on concepts such as honesty, fairness, respect,
integrity, accountability, and responsibility. Ethical considerations often involve
balancing different interests, avoiding harm, and promoting the greater good.