Physician Assistant Week: Top Five Products for PAs

Physician assistants (PAs) are a vital but underappreciated component of our health care system, a segment of the medical workforce that has both grown significantly and also filled gaps in health care availability during a time when physicians have been in short supply. You may be surprised to learn just how prevalent they are:

• Over 115,000 PAs currently practice in the United States.
• The number of PAs rose 13% from 2015 to 2017.
• The number of PAs per physician rose 23% from 2015 to 2017. There are on average 128 PAs to every 1,000 physicians.

The highest concentrations of PAs are in general practice and family medicine, making up nearly 20% of practitioners. Occupational medicine and orthopedic surgery have the highest PA-per-physician ratios. PAs have become not only commonplace, but instrumental in delivering health care in many different types of practices. With that in mind, we've compiled this list of the Top Five Items for PAs!

1. Premium Aneroid Sphygmomanometer with Carry Case

One of the first items in any PA's kit is a quality sphygmomanometer for monitoring blood pressure. The ADC Prosphyg 760 Aneroid Sphygmomanometer is an effective, reliable diagnostic tool with a precision-crafted, Japanese-engineered, 300mmHg manometer tested to 30,000 cycles. Multiple sizes and color/pattern options are available, and its convenient, leatherette carry case securely holds it with a zipper closure. Its Adcuff™ nylon cuff has an ADC® proprietary Size Guide™ marking system to prevent mis-cuffing. The Prosphyg 760 sets an industry standard for its modern look and ultimate durability.

2. Exel Disposable Hypodermic Needles

If your practice is in need of a reliable, reasonably-priced source for your needles, look no further than Mountainside Medical! We have Exel Disposable Hypodermic Needles in 100-count boxes at the best prices. Non-toxic, latex-free, and non-pyrogenic, these needles are sterilized, individually packaged, and ready for use. They're available in many different lengths and gauges, and both the needles as well as their boxes are conveniently color-coded so you can easily find the one that you need.

Also Available:

• Exel Safelet IV Catheter Needles
• Exel Scalp Vein Butterfly Winged Infusion Sets

3. Sterile Bacteriostatic Water - 30mL (2 pack)  

Bacteriostatic Water is a multi-use sterile water that is used for mixing or diluting solutions before injection, and it's one of the most essential and most in-demand products for medical practices. Containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol (9 mg/mL) as a preservative, this bacteriostatic water has a life of 28 days and can be used multiple times during that lifespan. It is sterile, non-pyrogenic Mountainside Medical Equipment has single vials of 30 mL Bacteriostatic Water available for the low price of $11.75, or you can save even more over other supplies with this 2-pack for $19.95! We also have a starter pack containing everything you need for bacteriostatic water injections.

4. Ear Loop Face Masks

Don't forget to stock up! Cranberry's S3 Face Masks are useful in any medical practice as well as a convenient barrier against the spread of germs outside a medical setting. They offer ASTM Level 2 protection with > 99% ratings for Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) and Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE), as well as exceptional breathing efficiency with its exclusive Breath EZ® filter. Their connected ear loop fasteners are made of soft elastic for both adjustable comfort and a tight fit, while S3 features provide skin soothing benefits. Disposable and easy to wear in crowded conditions, they're an inexpensive and safe option for public transportation, workplaces, or anywhere illness might be spread.

5. NitriDerm Sterile Powder Free Nitrile Gloves

Speaking of the basics, no Physician Assistant should go without these NitriDerm Sterile Gloves! Powder and latex free, these disposable, nitrile gloves are both flexible and strong. These gloves are specifically designed to stand up to harsh chemicals, but their nitrile material is highly flexible, ambidextrous, and conforms right to the hand, providing a more comfortable fit and enhanced dexterity. Unlike latex gloves, NitriDerm gloves have superior resistance against chemicals, and will not break down. The gloves are available in 4 sizes, packed 50 per box.