Medical Carts Manufacturers & Suppliers

Medical carts (also known as mobile workstations, medical trolleys, or patient care devices) are carts for healthcare providers that store and transport medical supplies and equipment within healthcare facilities.

Medical carts can be found in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. These devices play an essential role in patient care by providing clinicians with a mobile workstation and facilitating easy access to medical devices and medicines.

Medical carts serve various functions and are typically outfitted with multiple accessories, including drawers, shelves, locking cabinets, onboard power systems, and electric outlets.

The use of medical carts has become increasingly common in the healthcare sector as facilities look for ways to improve the delivery of care and increase efficiency. If you are considering purchasing a medical cart, you should understand the different types of carts, their functions, and their benefits and drawbacks.

Types of Medical Carts

Hospitals are complex environments, with various people and departments all working together to provide care. Medical carts are one of the tools that help keep hospital operations running smoothly.

There are different medical carts, each designed for a specific purpose. Understanding the different types of medical carts and their distinguishing features can help you identify the right cart for your needs and ultimately help you decide which medical cart manufacturer is best for your practice.

Some common types of medical carts include:

Medical Computer Cart

A medical computer cart (sometimes called a workstation on wheels) is a wheeled trolley equipped with a computer, printer, and other necessary medical supplies. It is commonly used in hospitals and clinics to store and transport medical records and other documents.

They are vital for various healthcare functions, from medication management processes to quick management of patient symptoms.

Medication Cart

A medication cart carries medicine to patients throughout the hospital or healthcare center. The best medication cart options feature ergonomic, durable, and easy-to-clean surfaces (e.g., plastic materials like HDPE or ABS), fully-customizable storage, easy maneuvering, a reliable power source, and a computer-friendly design.

Crash Cart

One of the most common types of medical carts is the crash cart, which is used in emergencies. Crash carts are highly mobile and outfitted with several essential items for the resuscitory process, including defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and intravenous supplies. They are commonly found in acute care hospitals or ambulatory care centers.

Anesthesia Cart

An anesthesia cart is a piece of equipment used to transport anesthetic drugs and other supplies needed for administering anesthesia. The anesthesia cart is typically found in the operating room. It usually has several shelves or drawers for storing different types of supplies, often including oxygen tanks and other breathing apparatus, IV pole holders, and oxygen regulators.

Procedure Cart

A procedure cart is a medical cart found in hospitals and acute care facilities. These carts transport equipment, supplies, and medical devices for procedures such as surgery.

Storage Cart

A storage cart is another medical cart often found in hospitals and clinics. These carts provide a convenient place to store medical supplies and equipment and include a variety of shelves and drawers. Many storage carts also feature at least one locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.

Treatment Cart

At first glance, a treatment cart appears similar to a storage cart. However, they feature design elements emphasizing higher mobility and flexibility, making them more suitable for long-term care. For instance, treatment carts typically feature more ergonomic handles and gripping surfaces than standard storage carts. They may also feature different drawer sizes and dividers for better organization.

Bedside Cart

A bedside cart is a small, rolling cart typically used in a hospital setting. The cart is designed to hold various items a patient may need, such as a television remote, a water cup, and a telephone. The cart can also store medical supplies, such as oxygen tanks and IV bags.

Clean Linen Cart

A clean linen cart is a trolley specifically designed for storing and transporting clean hospital linens such as sheets, towels, and gowns. The carts are typically made of steel or aluminum and have multiple shelves to keep the linens organized.

Choosing a Material for Your Medical Cart

Medical professionals have two primary options for choosing a suitable cart material for their needs: steel and aluminum. Each option offers its benefits and drawbacks.

When choosing a material for your medical cart, it is also essential to consider your facility’s level of cart access. For example, if you are shopping for a procedure cart and your workplace is a smaller hospital, it would be wise to choose a small and lightweight aluminum procedure cart to ensure maneuverability.

Ultimately, the best material for your medical cart depends on your specific practice’s individual needs and preferences.

Steel

Steel carts are durable, allowing them to withstand the day-to-day wear and tear they are subjected to in a medical setting. They’re also heavier than other types of carts; while this feature makes them less likely to tip over, they are also more challenging to maneuver than carts made from different materials.

Steel carts are typically less expensive than other options but may not provide as many features.

Aluminum

Another option is an aluminum cart, which offers several advantages over steel carts. Aluminum carts are lighter in weight, making them easier to maneuver. They’re also more corrosion-resistant than steel carts, meaning they can withstand repeated exposure to cleaning solutions and other harsh chemicals, which is an important factor in a medical setting.

Since aluminum carts weigh less than their steel counterparts, they usually offer more organizational and ergonomic features. For example, aluminum carts are often height-adjustable, reducing strain on medical personnel. The primary drawback of aluminum medical carts is their cost, which is often more expensive than their steel counterparts.

Medical Cart Supplies

There are many medical carts, each designed to hold specific supplies; however, some items commonly found on most medical carts, such as bandages, gloves, and disinfectant wipes. Most carts have at least one drawer for storing smaller items, such as syringes or cotton swabs.

Depending on the cart type, it may also have additional features, such as a built-in sink or refrigerator. However, the exact contents of a medical cart vary depending on the needs of the specific healthcare facility; therefore, it is essential to understand your particular needs when shopping for a medical cart.

Computer workstation carts typically have several shelves or drawers that can be used to organize supplies, as well as a built-in keyboard tray and mouse pad. In addition to the computer, typical items stored on a computer medical cart include blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, thermometers, and syringes.

Some carts also have additional convenience features such as charging stations for portable devices or built-in speakers.

Many others feature security systems and elements, ranging from simpler key-operated mechanical locks to more advanced electronic systems (e.g., keypads, biometric locks, etc.). These cart security systems are critical on carts designed to carry or store expensive equipment or controlled substances.

How to Find a Reputable Medical Cart Supplier

When healthcare delivery is involved, choosing a reputable supplier for your medical carts is critical. This ensures that the care experience for healthcare professionals and patients is as positive as possible.

There are a few crucial factors to consider when choosing a healthcare cart supplier. The key factor to consider is if the carts are designed to meet the needs of the care experience. They should be durable, easy to clean, easy to maneuver, offer ample storage space, and satisfy the unique requirements of your healthcare facility.

Understanding your practice’s individual needs and the different types of medical carts is a critical step in choosing a medical cart supplier.

It is also vital to ensure the supplier has a strong track record of delivering high-quality products on time. A reputable cart supplier will offer a team of experts to help you select the perfect cart with your needs in mind.

A good sourcing specialist will recognize the benefit of using advanced designs and technologies in medical settings, including materials, power packs, and design functions.

By considering these factors, you can be confident that you are choosing a reputable supplier who can help you provide the best possible care for your patients.

Why Scott-Clark Medical

Scott-Clark Medical is a pioneer in medical cart manufacturers and suppliers in the U.S. market today. This Texas-based company manufactures and supplies customizable cart configurations to the U.S., Canada, and global medical industries.

Scott-Clark is a leading U.S. medical cart manufacturer and supplier with a track record of responding to the unique demands of each customer to deliver a cart that aligns precisely with each customer’s unique design specifications.

Our Flexible Mobile Cart Power Technology (FMCPT) enhances your powered medical carts with long-lasting, reliable onboard power, easily-operated batteries, fast charging, and clear, non-ambiguous power indicators.

Learn more about what the Scott-Clark Medical Team can do for you by calling (512) 756-7300 to schedule a consultation today.