Disposable medical supplies are meant to be thrown away after use, and there are many benefits to using disposable medical supplies instead of reusable alternatives.

1. Security. Arguably the most significant benefit of using single-use medical supplies is the increased patient safety that can be achieved by disposing of equipment immediately after use. Disposable medical supplies reduce the risk of surgical site infection and cross-contamination. If only one person is using the device, and if it is used correctly, the possibility of spreading germs and diseases between patients and medical staff is virtually eliminated. According to the CDC, single-use items increase patient safety by eliminating the risk of patient-to-patient contamination because the item is discarded and therefore not used for another patient. With the increased focus on infection control, single-use medical devices can provide peace of mind, improve patient safety and greatly reduce the risk of cross-infection.

2. Time. To ensure that reusable medical devices are safe for use on other patients, they must be cleaned after each use. Time spent cleaning reusable equipment means less time spent with patients. Most single-use medical devices are open and ready to use, saving medical professionals a lot of time. Disposable devices also eliminate the need for medical personnel to clean, disinfect and sterilize reusable devices. With minimal preparation and effort, single-use medical devices can significantly increase a facility's efficiency.

3. Cost. While medical disposables may seem like a more expensive option, it's often a more cost-effective option in the long run. Many reusable devices require the purchase of additional accessories to ensure that the device can be safely used on multiple patients. However, single-use products do not require the purchase of additional accessories, and there are no additional costs associated with cleaning, calibrating, or servicing single-use devices. Reusable equipment requires periodic repurchases of decontamination supplies, and there are additional costs for machine maintenance, utility usage, and staff time that add significantly to costs. Disposables can provide the same quality as reusable equipment without the added cost of ongoing maintenance and upkeep.