Wire carts in a healthcare environment are critical to hospital and medical facility supply storage and transport. The wire construction innately promotes a clean environment by minimizing dirt and dust accumulation. Moreover, wire carts (and baskets/racks) are easy to clean, which maintains the integrity and hygiene of medical supplies. However, wire carts are not created equally. The type of finish applied to this essential piece of equipment is exceedingly important not just for their maintenance and longevity but for patient outcomes.
Consequently, Forsyth Healthcare works with manufacturers who offer the best in wire cart finishing. Below is a further breakdown of why wire cart finish types matter so much in a medical facility and why you can make your procurement with Forsyth Healthcare with complete confidence.
Advantages of Wire Cart Finishing Options Made Available in Canada Through Forsyth Healthcare
Wire Carts with Chrome Finish
Nickel chrome is the standard accepted wire cart finish for storing clean and sterile medical supplies. This finish type meets CSA standards, is non-porous, and non-shedding. Chrome and chromate (similar looking and more economical but less durable) are well suited to dry or low humidity environments.
Good examples of chrome finished wire carts that may be ideal for your needs include those offered by Wanzl/TSS, such as their Chrome Wire & Solid Galvanized 3-Shelf Utility Cart, which is a mobile storage application for the effective transportation and storage of items. This product features chrome wire shelves but is also complemented by a solid galvanized steel shelf and includes convenient u-handles, donut bumpers, and swivel casters (two with breaks. Another standout example is the Metro SP Series (2-shelf and 3-shelf) Utility Carts with Chrome Wire Shelves, which consists of wire shelves with plastic split sleeves, one-piece handles, donut bumpers and polyurethane casters with plated caster horns.
Contact Forsyth Healthcare to discuss chrome finish wire cart options based on your needs and budget.
Wire Carts with Stainless Steel Finish
Stainless steel finish offers durability in addition to corrosion resistance for wet, cold and humid medical environments. Corrosion resistance is important for hospital and lab shelving, which is regularly exposed to various types of chemicals and solutions.
An example of stainless steel finished wire carts that may be a great fit for your needs includes those offered by Metro, such as their Metro SP Series (2-shelf and 3-shelf) Utility Carts with Stainless Steel Wire Shelves. These carts consist of wire shelves with plastic split sleeves, one-piece handles, donut bumpers, and polyurethane casters with polymer caster horns and stainless axles. This product’s Super Erecta Shelf construction offers easier assembly and makes relocation of shelves quick and simple.
If you are looking for a wire cart with more robust antibacterial protection, ask us about epoxy-coated wire carts. Like polymer, epoxy-coated wire units include Microban protection and come with a 12 year warranty. Epoxy-coated wire is a cost-effective alternative to stainless steel for applications where it may work.
A key design element of Metroseal epoxy-coated wire is the zinc substrate which helps protect the steel against rust in weld areas and promotes a stronger bond between the powder coat to the steel (as compared to bare steel alone).
Contact Forsyth Healthcare to discuss stainless steel finished wire cart options based on your budget and facility requirements.
Wire Carts with Polymer Finish
Like with stainless steel, polymer finish offers corrosion resistance (ideal for wet, cold and humid medical environments) but takes this feature a step further by offering a lifetime corrosion warranty, compared to stainless steel options which only have a one-year warranty. It’s also important to note that the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requires shelving to be free from burrs and sharp edges. A certain degree of this is inherent with wire shelves, although polymer eliminates most of these concerns and is good for storing wrapped items like instrument trays without the risk of tearing.
Examples of polymer finished wire carts that may be an excellent fit for your needs include those offered by MetroMax. This cart is the perfect choice for hardcopy (binder) medical records and other items that benefit from slots being run diagonally instead of front to back. The polymer composition shelf mats are of a modular design allowing easy removal for cleaning, and they boast a vented open grid surface that is smooth and crevice-free. It will never dent, chip, rust, or corrode. This particular option is medium-duty with 400 lb capacity shelving with adjustable levelling feet to compensate for uneven floors. Furthermore, this MetroMax product offers tool-less assembly thanks to snap shelf clips that work around posts that permit shelves to be slid-in and locked into place.
Contact Forsyth Healthcare to discuss polymer finished wire cart considerations based on your needs and budget.
Why Choose Forsyth Healthcare for Your Wire Carts Purchase
We hope that the above comparison between wire cart finishing types helps you deliberate which product or brand may provide optimal solutions for your facility. Of course, we know that you have more questions and concerns about shipping, customization, and budgetary considerations. This is where Forsyth Healthcare stands out above the rest when it comes to the procurement of medical carts. We’re here to take the guesswork and hard work (assembly, etc.) off of your hands so that you can put your investment to immediate use to the benefit of your staff and patients. Contact us today for a friendly conversation about your needs.
