Articles by Z&Z Medical

These sterile x-ray cassette covers are essential in surgical settings when a sterile field needs to be maintained. These covers are durable, radiolucent, and don't compromise image quality. Ideal for preventing cross contamination and keeps cassettes and receptors clean and dry during imaging procedures. Latex Free and comes 20 covers per case. 12 sizes to choose from. Visit our website to see the options available or email our customer service team at info@zzmedical.com with any questions you may have. These covers typically ship in just 3-5 business days.

Buy Sterile X-Ray Cassette Covers for only $40 at Z&Z Medical (zzmedical.com)

In today's healthcare landscape, maintaining rigorous standards of cleanliness and infection control is non-negotiable. As imaging facilities strive to uphold these standards, one area that often goes overlooked is the choice of sponges used during procedures. If you're still relying on traditional non-coated sponges, now is the time to make the upgrade to closed-cell or coated alternatives. Not only do these modern sponges offer ease of cleaning and disinfection between patients, but they also ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. Here's why upgrading your sponges is a prudent investment in patient safety and regulatory adherence:

Effortless Cleaning and Disinfection:

1. Closed-Cell and Coated Technology: Unlike traditional non-coated sponges, closed-cell or coated sponges are designed with materials that resist the absorption of fluids and contaminants. This makes them incredibly easy to clean and disinfect between patients, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and ensuring a hygienic environment for every procedure.
2. Quick and Effective Sanitization: With closed-cell or coated sponges, there's no need to worry about lingering pathogens or difficult-to-clean surfaces. A simple wipe-down with an approved disinfectant is all it takes to maintain these sponges in pristine condition, saving valuable time and resources for your imaging facility.

Compliance and Peace of Mind:

1. Adherence to Regulatory Standards: In today's regulatory landscape, compliance with infection control guidelines is paramount. Upgrading to closed-cell or coated sponges demonstrates your commitment to providing a safe and sanitary environment for patients and staff alike. By staying ahead of regulatory requirements, you mitigate the risk of penalties and uphold the reputation of your facility as a leader in patient safety.
2. Enhanced Patient Confidence: Patients place their trust in healthcare providers to prioritize their well-being at every step of the care journey. By investing in modern sponges that prioritize cleanliness and infection control, you instill confidence in patients that their health and safety are your top priorities.

Upgrade Your Sponges Today from non-coated sponges to closed-cell or coated alternatives is a proactive step towards enhancing cleanliness, infection control, and compliance within your imaging facility. With easy-to-clean surfaces and a commitment to regulatory standards, these modern sponges offer peace of mind for both healthcare providers and patients. Don't wait until regulatory scrutiny or contamination issues arise—make the switch to closed-cell or coated sponges today and elevate the standard of care in your facility. Visit www.zzmedical.com to see the wide array of shapes and sizes to choose from that will meet any facilities budget.

Z&Z Medical’s N-Visi-RAY Coated Sponges are manufactured using a high density polyurethane foam that is supportive and comfortable for patients. They feature a patented medical grade, fluid-resistant coated surface that is easy to clean with any medical grade disinfectant wipe or spray. Coated positioners are non-returnable once opened from packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coated Foam Positioners:

1. I need to replace my old worn-out torn sponges, but I know we can’t have those open cell grey sponges. What should we choose for replacements? We highly recommend Z&Z Medical New N-Visi-Ray Coated Foam Positioners. These black coated sponges are manufactured with a high density polyurethane foam that is radiolucent, and easy to clean! They are manufactured right here in the USA and make the best durable positioning aides that hold up better over time.

2. Some coated sponges that we have gotten in the past tear or peel easily as the coating is so thin. What do you suggest as a good “CLEANABLE” sponge replacement that will hold up over time? Good question! The medical grade coating that is used on the N-Visi-Ray coated sponges contain active plasticizers that will not dry out or crack easily over time. The coated surface does not peel off or tear like other coated sponges on the market. This patented medical grade fluid resistant coating is also easy to clean and disinfect.

3. We had to replace some sponges and we got coated sponges – but they show bad artifacts. Do your coated sponges show artifacts? The new N-Visi-Ray Black Coated Sponges have a unique design and are manufactured with a patented flared angle that significantly reduces artifacts during x-ray imaging. The flared sides increase the overall size of a standard non-flared sponge but does not affect imaging or positioning. This unique flare adds to the radiolucency of the sponge and minimizes the shadowing. While these sponges are radiolucent, some positioners may present shadowing along the edges of the positioners, but you will not see those stark line artifacts that are often seen with other coated sponges

4. What sponges can we get that is cleanable and will pass inspections from a quality control standpoint? We recommend Z&Z Medical N-Visi-Ray Coated Sponges. These positioners are amazing. They are 100% cleanable and do not show line artifacts . These sponges are also radiolucent allowing the x-ray to pass right through. When used under normal imaging technique, our sponges offer superior image radiolucency and no artifacts.

5. We need to replace our sponges but have to use a medical grade disinfectant spray to clean them with. What sponge replacement do you recommend? We recommend N-Visi-Ray Black Coated Sponges. The surface can easily be disinfected after every patient with a hospital grade medical disinfectant or 10% bleach solution.

6. Are your N-Visi-Ray Sponges Comfortable for Patients AND support them during imaging? We bought some sponges that are so flimsy they will not even support our patients. Absolutely! In addition to the high quality of these sponges and them being artifact-free, there is the added benefit of these positioning aids providing a nice level of comfort to patients while still being sturdy enough to ensure a patient’s stability during positioning.

7. Why are N-Visi-Ray coated sponges black? These unique sponges are coated in black to maximize their durability and to provide a surface that is easy to clean. Plus it’s a neutral color that will blend in with other accessories in the imaging department.

8. How do I clean your coated sponges? The sponges look dirty even after we have just cleaned them due to the light color. The N-Visi-Ray Coated sponges use a black coating that is difficult to see any blemishes over time. To clean the surface of the sponge that has become dirty or dusty with normal use and with storage, we recommend that you wash the surface with cold water and a mild general-purpose soap like a 409 spray. We recommend that you avoid using detergent cleaners that contain hydrocarbon solvents like acetone or ammonia as they are harsh on the surface and will shorten the life of your sponge. We also recommend that you avoid rigorous scrubbing, abrasive pads, or stiff brushes as they can also damage the surface as it would with any foam product.

9.Can I disinfect coated sponges in between patients? Absolutely. Todisinfect sponges in between patients or for positioners that have becomesoiled with blood, bodily fluids, barium, betadine, or other fluids, werecommend the use of hospital approved disinfectant wipe or spray. Pleaseallow for the manufacturers recommended drying time in betweenpatients. A 10% Bleach solution can also be used as a disinfectant if themanufacturers guidelines are strictly followed. Please do NOT autoclave,steam, soak, launder or submerge in water.

10.Are there any special storage requirements for coated foam? Our lightcolored sponges in the past turn an ugly yellow or grey over time. No.Unlike non-coated foam that will change color with exposure to room light,coated foam is not affected by room light. We recommend that you storeyour sponges in a clean dry area when not in use to prolong the life of yoursponges and to keep them clean.

11.What is the warranty on coated foam positioners? Because of the natureof foam products, there is a 30-day manufacturing warranty to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use. Warranty does notcover damage from misuse, mishandling or neglect.

To Purchase N-Visi-Ray Coated Foam Sponge Positioners visit our website www.zzmedical.com

Z&Z Medical’s Exclusive Closed Cell Sponges are made from a lightweight 100% radiolucent non-porous foam. These positioning sponges are entirely fluid resistant and easy to clean! They are also easy to disinfect with any hospital grade disinfectant and are extremely durable when compared to common open cell sponges on the market today! Our sponges feature a non-coated premium charcoal grey color and are the perfect solution for any positioning need! They can be used in MRI, CT, Nuc Med, Ultrasound and General X-Ray making them the number one option in positioning sponges.  Below are some common frequently asked questions about our new closed cell sponges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Closed Cell Foam:

1. Most imaging facilities require coated sponges or vinyl covered so that they can be cleaned and meet Joint Commission Standards. Do closed cell sponges have a coating? Closed cell sponges do not need a protective coating. The foam itself is closed cell and non-porous, meaning it will not absorb any fluids unlike the un-coated open cell sponges that are on the market. The crosslink density of this foam is extremely high, and the surface can be easily cleaned & disinfected making them an excellent positioner for any imaging facility.

2. Why buy closed cell instead of coated or vinyl covered sponges? Closed cell sponges offer excellent support during positioning without the worry of artifacts that are common with coated sponges. No more worrying about repeats due to artifacts. They are easy to clean, very durable and often cost less than coated sponges. They maintain stiffness over time unlike coated or vinyl covered sponges.

3. Will these sponges show artifacts under x-ray? No. Closed cell sponges are radiolucent allowing the x-ray to pass right through and not be blocked and there is no chemical coating that will artifact during imaging. When used under normal imaging technique, our sponges offer superior image radiolucency and no artifacts.

4. Can I clean closed cell sponges? Absolutely. To clean the surface of the sponge that has become dirty or dusty with normal use and with storage, we recommend that you wash the surface with cold water and a mild general-purpose soap like a 409 spray. We recommend that you avoid using detergent cleaners that contain hydrocarbon solvents like acetone or ammonia as they are harsh on the surface and will shorten the life of your sponge. We also recommend that you avoid rigorous scrubbing, abrasive pads, or stiff brushes as they can also damage the surface as it would with any foam product.

5. Can I disinfect closed cell sponges in between patients? Absolutely. To disinfect sponges in between patients or for positioners that have become soiled with blood, bodily fluids, barium, betadine, or other fluids, we recommend the use of hospital approved disinfectant wipe or spray. Please allow for the manufacturers recommended drying time in between patients. A 10% Bleach solution can also be used as a disinfectant if the manufactures guidelines are strictly followed. Please do NOT autoclave, steam, soak, launder or submerge in water.

6. Why do closed cell sponges sometimes have a scuffed looking appearance? Closed cell foam uses a different manufacturing process than does open cell non coated sponges or coated sponges. Open cell sponges are NOT cleanable, and the surfaces are often deceiving. Coated sponges have a chemical solution applied to the top of the open cell sponge creating a smooth barrier. Since closed cell foam positioners do not need a coating to be cleaned, the outer layer can show surface marks during the manufacturing process. We ONLY sell new sponges. Rest assured we never sell used sponges.
CLOSED CELL FOAM POSITIONERS

7. Are there any special storage requirements for closed cell foam? No. Unlike non-coated foam that will change color with exposure to room light, closed cell foam is not affected by room light. We recommend that you store your sponges in a clean dry area when not in use to prolong the life of your sponges and to keep them clean.

8. What is the warranty on closed cell foam positioners? Closed cell foam products are designed to provide aid to the technologist when positioning a patient, and comfort for the patient during imaging procedures. The surface provides a barrier that can be cleaned in between patients. If the foam product is punctured or torn, this barrier still provides a barrier of protection for infection control as the crosslink polyethylene foam is non-porous and still resistant to fluids even if punctured or torn. Because of the nature of foam products, there is a 30-day manufacturing warranty to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, mishandling or neglect.  

Have a question about closed cell sponges or want more information? Email our customer service team at info@zzmedical.com   Please visit our easy to use e-commerce website at www.zzmedical.com to see the many Closed Cell Sponges and kits that we now offer.   

We asked our employees two questions this year as they reflect on their birthday and purpose. 

1. If you could raise awareness about one thing, what would it be? I would raise awareness for Mental Health, and how it is just as important to take care of your metal health as it is your physical health.

2. What’s one thing about you that others might be surprised to learn? One thing that others might be surprised to learn about me is that I LOVE Christmas, probably boarder line obsessed. I tend to go overboard with the decorations, but just the spirit of Christmas and of course the family time is the best!