#testing supplies

In Spite of Medical Supply Shortages: “We’re Gonna Kick This Virus’ Ass!”

Hospitals, military bases, and clinics across the nation are fighting against medical supply shortages  – the supplies necessary to handle patients in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are ill-equipped for the surge of people with symptoms, or even the surge of people who need to be quarantined.

Defense Production Act

Trump invoked a law left over from the Cold War -the “Defense Production…

I started selling Diabetic Testing Supplies about a decade ago. When I started, meters that offered no coding were all the rage. Just years before, testing meters were monstrosities. They were huge and required a huge amount of blood. Samples could only be taken from the finger and they required a complex coding system to validate results and guestimate blood glucose.Since then, the meters haven’t changed all that much. They’ve been perfected, but at their core they are still just the same simple system they have always been. As flawed as they are, they are still “good enough” for the use that they have been assigned.

I won’t want you to think this article is strictly an abuse on testing supply manufacturers. Instead this article is meant to help diabetic patients understand why their medical testing results swing so rapidly from test to test. Ever since I’ve been selling test strips, I’ve been asked “why is my meter reading differently that it did a minute ago?”Let’s start with how testing meters work. Test strips contain an enzyme that reacts to the glucose in the blood. The test strips is exposed to blood glucose and administered a brief electrical impulse. Thanks to the miracle of quantum physics, the electrons are measured and an estimate is made of how strong or weak the pulse was on the other side of the circuit. Depending on the strength of that circuit, a corresponding number is generated and displayed on the screen to give you an idea of what your blood sugar is.So far, so good right? The US requires these meters to have about a 20% margin for error about 95% of the time. Whoa! Hold your horses. My math experts out there are screaming. Josh, with a 20% margin for error, how can you call that accurate. You are telling me that if my blood glucose is 100, then I can get a reading between 80 and 120 and my meter will still be considered legally accurate? Bingo, my friend. Crazy or not, in the world of blood glucose

Testing Supplies

, you can test the same sample back to back and arrive at an 80, or a 120, and both of those tests are correct.That’s not all. The biggest problem there is the “95% of the time.” This allows the meter to give wildly inaccurate results 5% of the time. So if your blood glucose is 100 and your meter tells you that glucose is 600, as long as it only does it about 1/20 times, your meter is still accurate.Okay, okay, so your meter isn’t very “accurate” but it’s accurate enough to do the following things with:

Take diabetic medication(assuming you test regularly and take each test result with a grain of salt)

Have an insulin pump delivery insulin to you based off its results

Create a log of your blood glucose to determine how well you are controlling your diabetes

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Versatile apparatus hit and miss (Discerned Testing) has turned into a basic necessity for upholding electrical earnest in the work environment. The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Memorandum of Guidance distinguishes that a sufficient arrangement with regard to precaution overcoming upkeep can give a method in regard to enthusiastic to the Electricity at Gasser Regulations 1989 (EAWR). <\p>

Fixedness demonstrates that a substantial amount of the dangers, passing and return brought about by abused or broken electrical supplies could be averted in what period legitimate electrical checking, assessment and wellbeing experimentalism address are set uphoist. <\p>

Corridor this way EUR? arranged and proactive versatile machine testing programmers serve to recognize potential wellbeing issues with upsetting apparatuses before they happen. Immotive testing Coventry offers versatile apparatus testing newfashioned and around the Coventry region with an expert administration and a competitive cost. <\p>

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Mobile apparatus r and d (Pat Testing) has turned into a chaste necessity for upholding electrical security herein the work environment. The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Notation speaking of Guidance distinguishes that a respectable arrangement of precaution electrical backing can rain a the big picture of consenting to the Electricity at Paper Regulations 1989 (EAWR). <\p>

Confirmation demonstrates that a substantial number of the dangers, passage and damages brought about by abused or episodic electrical supplies could be averted when word-for-word electrical checking, assessment and wellbeing testing the big picture are set up. <\p>

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Their architects are full qualified to do Pat cut and try and duplicates of their capabilities could be sent in better self headed for overbear of their make provision for open risk protection and transition indorsement for their Loaf tentative supplies. Summit their costs are wholly comprehensive and accompany free out-of-available time discipline, free little repairs, free pass over plugs and gracious wires. Their customers are commonly vast and little business settings, essential & optional schools, shops, production lines, Dj's, groups, camera people, proprietors and letting executors around others in and around the Coventry range. Portative hollow ware testing Coventry is an essential part of one health & wellbeing arrangement. The Health and Sun helmet Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical crash includes conveyable apparatuses. Accidental review ruling classes open each fitting and check per wire as a major aspect of their test and afterward name everything in agreement with a pass or fizzle sticker ( come up distressed is exceptionally extraordinary as they repair gratis ruler fizzled impedimenta ). I myself comprehend that Pat testing can interfere near your staff that is the reason the administration arse offer you a Off work out of penetrable time administration if you require! May as well any of your conveyable machines enforce a broken spike or the off base wires management will trade it complimentary. They are fundamentally protected (Insurance strategy malleable on appeal) for your genuine feelings of serenity. They utilize the paramountcy recent supplies within the market to test and record your outcomes. This profits it as it empowers us to test and record you gear quicker holding costs low and giving more correct measure comes about modish the meantime! <\p>

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Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a non-destructive testing technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to detect imperfections in metal materials, as well as changes in properties within the materials that could cause problems or failure of the component being tested. This type of ultrasonic testing should not be confused with medical ultrasonic techniques – one of the most well known being an “ultrasound” test commonly used to determine the sex of a fetus in the womb. While there are a number of ultrasonic techniques utilized in the field of healthcare, for the purposes of this discussion we are referring only to industrial ultrasonic testing applications.

Ultrasonic testing is primarily utilized in the industrial sector to test metal materials such as oil & gas pipelines and various metal machinery components to prevent failures or accidents. Some of the most common industries that utilize ultrasonic testing include petrochemical, automotive, aerospace and structural steel, among many others.

Of the four main types of non-destructive testing (ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle testing, liquid penetrant testing and radiography), ultrasonic testing is by far the most technologically advanced. In fact, over the past few decades many new forms and applications of ultrasonic testing have been developed.

One of the oldest and most basic ultrasonic testing techniques is pulse echo (also known as “reflective” or “manual” testing). In this technique, a transducer connected to a diagnostic machine sends sound waves into the material being tested. The sound waves pass through the material and bounce back to the transducer. When a defect (such as a crack in the metal) is present, the amount of sound waves returning to the transducer is reduced – thus revealing the presence of a defect in the material.

One of the newer and most advanced forms of ultrasonic testing is known as phased array testing. Phased array testing is a computerized process that provides a 3D image of the object being tested (such as a pipe weld), which often allows technicians to determine the exact length, height and depth of any defects that may be found. Phased array utilizes ultrasonic beams of various angles and focal lengths using an array of transducers – with computer software controlling each beam. This provides detail and accuracy that is simply not possible with the older pulse echo ultrasonic technique. In some instances, phased array testing may be used in place of radiography (x-ray testing), which was widely regarded as the most effective non-destructive testing technique for decades. Today, many industrial companies find phased array ultrasonic testing to be more desirable as there is no radiation involved, which reduces risk.

Automated ultrasonic testing is yet another method that has come into more frequent use in recent years. This technique is utilized to test pipe welds. Phased array ultrasonic transducers are strapped around the pipe on each side of the weld. Automated machinery then rotates the transducers around the circumference of the pipe – and software collects the data and analyzes it to detect any defects.

In recent years, ultrasonic testing in all of its forms has been gaining popularity as the non-destructive testing method of choice – due in great part to technological advances as well as greatly increased safety when compared to radiography, which presents a high rate of risk due to the radiation involved in this technique.

Tech Service Products is a stocking distributor of industrial supplies and non-destructive testing products such as Ultrasonic testing (UT). 

The cost of diabetes management is continuously rising forcing diabetic consumers to seek low cost supplies wherever they may find them.  Finding great low cost supplies with good companies that are available to serve your needs is great.  However, the problem arises when some individuals prey on the vulnerability of the diabetic consumer by advertising low cost supplies but never sending the items or sending expired/broken items. For example, if you are aware of the cost of an insulin pump, then it would be very easy to be drawn to an ad that advertises a pump for less than $4500-6500.00(without insurance) and with insurance a 50%  discount off the regular price. Now everyone wants to find the best possible deal when it comes to saving as much money as they can especially in these economic times. However, in  their quest to save money, individuals are scammed, ripped off or whatever word you wish to use, and they are actually left feeling violated, robbed, distrusting and even more financially strapped because now they must re-purchase what they thought they would be getting in the first place. If you wish to purchase any diabetes supplies at a lower cost, I strongly encourage everyone to do some research and shop around for the very best option. Because there are individuals who are so eager to switch from daily injections to the insulin pump, they are willing to purchase from just about anyone who states that they are selling a pump. This by no means is good practice or even the execution of good sound judgement. 

Anyway, you are thinking about a pump,  let us first start at the beginning by asking some pertinent questions.  1. Has it been determined that a pump is really needed?  what I mean is have you and your doctor(an endocrinologist of course) had a detailed discussion about why you need a pump? 2. Have you been diligent in managing your diabetes with the injections, and are you in good control, or is it a case where you simply wanted a pump assuming that life would be easier, because you think that you can eat as much as you want whenever you want, because now you will have insulin continuously being infused, and so you think that you are safe, and that your numbers will somehow fall in the normal range?(I am seeing a great number of type 2 diabetics on pumps and it is scary) Sorry for the hard questions but they have to be asked. 

Now moving on,  So you have been given the green light to get a pump, and even with insurance the cost is still too high. So you go online, see an ad and it clearly states that a pump is available for far less than the usual price, and the seller lists an email address or person to send money to. Unfortunately, the pump never comes and you sit out of luck and hard earned cash. What's next, can you contact the person you purchased from, or have they skipped town?  What about the supplies needed with the pump, how do you know if it is brand new and not used?  Did you even see a picture/video? My point is this , purchasing a pump should be a well though out plan after lots of research. 

The pump should come from a reliable pump company who will not only ensure that you get your pump, but will also provide a Certified Pump Trainer to come to your home and train you on its use.  Please understand that when the trainer is teaching you, they will not start you with insulin in the pump.  You will be started on saline for about a week or so and then insulin is started to make sure that you have comprehended how to use the pump, can navigate using the many features and troubleshoot when needed. Having a pump is a great way to help you manage your diabetes, but only if you are well-prepared. The risk of getting too much or too little insulin is really high if you are not careful. Did your Dr. inform you that you should attend some classes to even help you transition to the pump? Classes that teach you advanced carbohydrate counting to help with diabetes management whether on multiple daily injections or the pump? These classes are an essential component to good diabetes management. These are questions that need to be addressed when thinking about an insulin pump.

If this is not the case when you see these pump ads, then my suggestion would be to simply close the website and keep it moving. Good diabetes management requires a great deal of discipline and dedication whether you are on the pump or not.  However, if you are contemplating purchasing an insulin pump then please do as much research as possible and make sure that the company you use is a reliable one. Same advice goes for Test Strips! If there is no policies regarding returns or expired strips, don't BUY!

With over 26 million people who are diabetic in the United States(and growing), I wonder how difficult it will be to get the necessary health insurance coverage in the future(Studies show by 2020, 1 in 2 people will be diabetic). We all know Diabetes as well as many other diseases create billions if not trillions of dollars in revenue for the pharmaceutical companies but the real question is this: Beyond providing a lucky FEW people in need, what else is being done???

You know, I was on my state's medical assistance website last night doing some research, and realized that in order to get coverage(if you're over 19) you have to literally make less than $12,958 dollars a year! Which might sound fair to some, but the fact is, unless you're making under $10 bucks an hour, you're pretty much out of luck. During the multiple years I spent working temp gigs and being a contractor I never had insurance on my own. Some of the agencies I worked for didn't even offer health insurance, and the others that did wanted to take a pretty nice sized chunk out of my weekly checks. Which sucked. I mean when you're living on your own, rent, bills, and everything adds up pretty quick on 10 bucks an hour. Then of course they had a problem with me doing overtime. I was between a rock and a hard place. So I just decided I'd try my best not to get sick. I stocked up on Halls cough drops, tea, soup and Nyquil when the winters came. I was lucky enough to not get sick enough to ever need to visit the ER. Many folks aren't though. The more I think about things, the more I see how much the system sets the lower class up to fail. It's definitely not fair. Anyone falling below the poverty line should automatically be covered in some sort of way. Not everyone is trying to abuse the system. You shouldn't have to rush out to the ER just to know whats going on with your health.

This all leads me to where I am right now in my life. I'm an IT guy at heart, love computers like their people almost(I know, weird). So when my mom, who happens to be a Nurse/Certified Diabetes Educator told me she was starting her own organization to provide help folks who are diabetic and in need, I wasn't really surprised. She's always had these "Robin Hood" style stories about how things were run in the hospitals she's worked in. How certain staff didn't care about the families with little to no money. She always would help people in any way she could. So that got me and my bro thinking one day like "What if we could provide low cost diabetes supplies to everyone who was uninsured/underinsured in the U.S?". We brainstormed a little more and I got to work creating the website for Steps To Success. We didn't ponder about what the price of things should be. We simply asked ourselves one question: "What would I like to pay for supplies every month?"

BOOM. 

14.99 a month(until Dec 1st 2012). That's what we came up with. So that's what we're running with now. For that amount, you get a FREE Bayer Contour Next EZ meter, 50 test strips(up to 150 if you need em), unlimited access to our CDE, and a ton of valuable information. Not to mention total access to our site, which includes a Glycemic index table, Diabetes e-book, a Forum & Chat room, logs and more! We've partnered with a few very cool companies to help us make this happen, so in the package you'll be receiving samples of their products as well. Too often we run into people who are paying hundreds of dollars a month on testing supplies. It's fine if you have the money to do so, but if you don't, what are you supposed to do??? Many people aren't testing. Not because they're being stubborn, or don't care about their health.....It's because they're choosing between keeping the lights on/food on the table and testing more than 2 times a day. If you have kids(I have a son), It's pretty obvious your health is gonna take a backseat every time.

The system isn't fair. The uninsured and underinsured fall through the cracks...and If you're uninsured/underinsured with Diabetes you fall even deeper due to the higher costs each year. Back in 2008 on average a person with diabetes paid nearly 13,000 a year in related costs. That number keeps rising. 

They don't want you to win....but we're going to try to even the playing field.