When it comes to outfitting a medical practice, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to use disposable or reusable medical supplies. From syringes and gowns to diagnostic tools and surgical instruments, both types have advantages, but the best choice depends on your practice’s size, patient load, infection control protocols, and budget.

At Surgo Surgical Supply, we carry a wide range of both disposable and reusable products to help you make informed, flexible choices. Here’s how to decide what works best for your clinic.

Infection Control: Disposable Wins in High-Risk Situations

Disposable supplies are single-use items that are discarded after one patient interaction. They are often preferred in high-risk, high-traffic clinical environments where infection prevention and turnaround time are top priorities.

Common Disposable Items and Why They Work:

Syringes and Needles:
Designed for single-use to eliminate any chance of cross-contamination. Pre-sterilized and packaged individually for safety. Ideal for vaccinations, injections, and IV administration.

Exam Gloves:
Used during any direct patient contact or procedure. Nitrile gloves are latex-free and offer high puncture resistance. Eliminating the need to wash and store reduces time and risk.

Face Masks and N95 Respirators:
ASTM-rated procedural masks protect against droplets and airborne particles. N95 respirators are required for aerosol-generating procedures and must be properly fitted. Single-use masks prevent contamination across shifts or patients.

Isolation Gowns:
Protect staff from fluid exposure and prevent the transfer of bacteria or viruses between patients. Easy to don and doff, minimizing contact risk. No laundering required.

Vaginal Speculums:
Single-use speculums like ClearSpec offer integrated light and no sterilization wait times. Reduce discomfort, and eliminate infection transmission risks in gynecological exams.

Sterile Scalpel Blades:
Packaged for single use to guarantee sterility. Perfect for minor surgical procedures, biopsies, and dermatological applications. Used with reusable or disposable handles.

Reusable Supplies: A Smart Long-Term Investment

Reusable medical supplies are designed to withstand repeated cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. These products offer excellent long-term value when used in practices with appropriate infection control workflows.

Common Reusable Items and Why They’re Worth It:

Stainless Steel Surgical Instruments:
Durable and high precision, ideal for general surgery, dermatology, or dental practices. Can be autoclaved or soaked in high-level disinfectants like CaviCide. Lower waste and cost per use when maintained properly.

Blood Pressure Cuffs:
Reusable cuffs are more comfortable and eco-friendly in long-term care or physician offices. Can be disinfected between patients using wipes. Available in multi-size kits for pediatrics to bariatrics.

Otoscopes and Ophthalmoscopes:
Essential diagnostic tools for family doctors and ENT specialists. Reusable handles with replaceable tips for hygiene and efficiency. Rechargeable models reduce long-term battery waste.

Exam Tables and Stools:
Core clinic furniture designed for daily use. Easily cleaned with medical-grade disinfectant between patients. Long lifespan and built for ergonomic efficiency.

Reusable Gowns and Drapes:
Often used in surgical or specialty settings with in-house or contracted laundering services. Made from high-thread-count or synthetic fabrics for durability. Offers a more eco-conscious alternative to disposable PPE.

Tip: Pair reusable tools with effective disinfectants like CaviWipes™ or sterilization equipment like the Midmark M11 steam autoclave.

Environmental Impact: Consider Your Carbon Footprint

Single-use supplies contribute significantly to global medical waste. If sustainability is a priority for your clinic, transitioning even part of your workflow to reusable supplies can:

• Lower waste generation
• Reduce packaging use
• Decrease overall supply shipments

Eco-friendly product suggestions:

• Canadian-made biodegradable wipes
• Recyclable PPE
• Blue Angel–certified CHERRY washable keyboards

What Surgo Recommends

Disposable products are best when:

• Patient volume is high
• Infection control is top priority
• Your clinic lacks sterilization equipment or staff time

Reusable products are ideal when:

• You have in-house cleaning/disinfection systems
• You want to reduce long-term costs and environmental impact
• You're outfitting low-risk exam rooms or specialized units

Ready to Stock Up?

Whether you're stocking your crash cart, exam room, or specialty suite, Surgo Surgical Supply has the products you need, from trusted disposable consumables to high-quality reusable tools.