PVC
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride (pronounced: pol-ee-vin-yl klo-ride) is a type of synthetic plastic polymer that is widely used in a variety of medical applications due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Etymology
The term "Polyvinyl Chloride" is derived from the chemical composition of the material. "Poly" is a Greek word meaning "many", "vinyl" refers to the vinyl group (CH2=CH-) which is one of the fundamental building blocks of the polymer, and "chloride" refers to the presence of chlorine atoms in the polymer chain.
Medical Applications
PVC is used in a wide range of medical applications. These include:
- Medical tubing: PVC is often used to make flexible tubing for medical procedures, such as intravenous (IV) lines and catheters.
- Medical gloves: PVC is used to produce disposable gloves used in medical examinations and procedures.
- Blood bags: PVC is used in the production of blood bags due to its flexibility and durability.
- Medical devices: Many medical devices, such as heart-lung machines and dialysis equipment, contain components made from PVC.
Related Terms
- Plasticizer: A substance added to PVC to increase its flexibility and durability.
- Phthalates: A group of chemicals often used as plasticizers in PVC. Some phthalates have been associated with potential health risks.
- Medical grade PVC: A specific grade of PVC that is produced under strict quality control standards to ensure its safety for use in medical applications.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on PVC
- Wikipedia's article - PVC
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