What is a respirator fit test?

A respirator fit test tests the seal between the respirator’s facepiece and your face.  Respiratory protection fit testing can be performed to ensure tight fitting respirators and proper protection.

A person must perform a fit test with any respirator they will wear before initial use. It should only be performed after obtaining medical clearance. (Note: Someone with facial hair may not be able to achieve an adequate seal.) Then, they should perform a fit test at least annually or when any significant changes occur, such as weight gain or loss, facial surgery, or dental surgery. Perform a fit test with the same make, model, style and size of respirator that the person will wear when working.

If the make, model, style or size of respirator is changed, a new fit test should be performed.  Additionally, if there are concerns about the fit based on the test, continue to test for a good seal with different respirator models, styles or sizes until an acceptable fit is identified. Document the results of your test.

Important: Respirator fit tests are not the same as user seal checks. That’s because a user seal check is a quick check performed by the wearer each time the respirator is put on to determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face or needs to be readjusted.

What’s the difference between qualitative vs quantitative fit test?

There are two types of respirator fit testing – a quantitative or qualitative respirator fit test. Qualitative tests are what OSHA recommends for healthcare environments. This pass/fail test uses sense of taste or smell in order to detect leakage in the respirator face piece. There are 4 types of approved qualitative tests:

• Saccharin (sweet)
• Bitrex (bitter)
• Isoamyl acetate (bananas)
• Irritant smoke (produces coughing)

When does testing need to be done?

OSHA requires respirator fit testing to be completed upon initial implementation of a Respiratory Protection Program and then once a year after that. OSHA has temporarily paused the need to do annual testing.  

Is a fit test required for a N95 respirator?

Yes. Per OSHA guidance, if respirators are required, all tight-fitting, disposable and reusable respirators/masks should be fit tested. This includes N95 and surgical N95 respirators, which are common in Long Term Care. Other reusable and disposable respirators that should be fit tested include:

• N99
• N100
• R95
• P95
• P99
• P100

Any healthcare professional wearing reusable or disposable respirators should know how to perform respirator fit tests to properly wear respirators for optimal occupational safety.

Does the respirator fit test kit I use need to be made from the same manufacturer as my N95?

No. The brand does not matter when conducting reusable or disposable respirator fit testing. Any qualitative fit test kit should work with any brand of N95 respirator.

How long will a respirator fit test kit last?

Most sensitivity and test solutions for fit testing have a 3- to 5-year shelf life, if unopened. Once the ampules are opened, most need to be used within 4 hours.

Does Direct Supply offer respirator fit test kits?

Yes! These two kits offer an OSHA compliant qualitative fit test for disposable and reusable respirators. New disposable glass ampules make pouring solution into nebulizers easier and reduce the chance of contamination. Each kit includes a test hood, sensitivity nebulizer, test nebulizer, 6 ampules of sensitivity solution and 6 ampules of test solution. Learn about the reusable and disposable respirator fit testing options below. 

Each kit has enough solution (both sensitivity and test) to test 18 to 30 people (3 to 5 people per ampule of solution)  Additional sensitivity and test solution can be purchased separate from the test kits.  You can also find additional respirator fit test solution and an instructional video on how to perform the Allegro qualitative fit test.

What do I do if my staff aren’t passing their respirator fit tests?

Find out how many staff members are having trouble getting a good seal or knowing how to perform a respirator fit test. Not every respirator is going to work on every individual’s face size and shape. So ask if they’ve tried other models, styles and sizes. OSHA requires employers to offer different makes, models, shapes and sizes of respirators to employees until they find one that will fit. If you can’t find any that fit certain staff members, consider assigning those staff to non-COVID  areas.

What’s the difference between an N95 and a surgical N95?

A surgical N95 is NIOSH-approved and also cleared by the FDA for use as a surgical mask. It’s recommended if the wearer will be exposed to liquids like sprays and splashes from things like suctioning and nebulizer treatments.

Does OSHA require respirator fit testing for KN95 respirators?

No. OSHA doesn’t currently require a respirator fit test of KN95s. These have the equivalent filtration capability to N95s, but normally come with ear loops rather than head straps. Some newer KN95s exist which have head straps. If you choose to fit test KN95s, review the most recent OSHA guidance with your legal team and keep it handy for reference.

Can I use an N95 that isn’t FDA approved?

Probably, if the N95 is NIOSH certified. For the duration of the public health emergency, the FDA has issued an EUA that allows healthcare workers to use NIOSH-approved respirators. You should make sure you are following any state or local guidelines, as well as the CDC’s guidance for conventional, contingency and crisis strategies for optimizing the supply of N95 respirators.

Additional Resources:

• OSHA Respiratory Guidance for Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living
• OSHA Fit Testing Video
• NIOSH-Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators

How to Choose Lifting Slings

First, identify how many patient lift slings slings your healthcare setting needs. While there isn’t one right answer to this question and the quantity will depend greatly on the patient population in a building, below is a general starting point. These per-lift recommendations will change based on the acuity level of patients and body type.

Sit-To-Stand Lifts:

Sit-to-stand lifts help patients who have some mobility, but need assistance rising from a sitting position. Sit-to-stand lifts allow caregivers to comfortably and safely assist mobility patients with sitting and standing. Below are a few sit to stand lift sling considerations:

Standing Slings: 2 medium and 1 large

Standing slings are ideal for patients who can bear half or more of their own weight and have sufficient head and neck control. These types of sit-to-stand lift slings can take patients from a seated to standing position.

Transport Slings: 1 medium and 1 large

Transport slings provide back support up to a patient’s shoulder area and underneath their thighs. Transport sit-to-stand lift slings can be used for seated transports, such as bed to chair or in room transport.

What Are Specialty Patient Slings?

Keep in mind that you may have patients who, based on weight, shape or specific health needs, require other sizes or sling types (hygiene, walking, gait training, repositioning, etc.)

A few examples of patient-specific slings include:

• Bariatric Sling
• Repositioning Sling
• Harness

What materials are slings made from?

Patient lift slings can also be customized to meet specific needs through their sling material. Common lifting lift material includes:

• Poly. Poly slings are the standard lift sling material and are strong and durable.
• Mesh. Mesh slings are commonly used for bathing, as they dry and let go of water easily.
• Padded. Padded Sit-to-Stand sling material offers added comfort for patients.

Lifting Slings Chart: Multi-Brand Compatible Slings

Direct Supply offers a variety of sling and lift solutions for your healthcare setting. Discover our multi-brand compatible sling selection and learn more about this versatile offering in this Multi Brand Sling Vlog.

Direct Supply’s multi-brand slings have passed compatibility testing and are appropriate to use with leading brands of lift equipment. The lifting slings compatibility charts below contain our Direct Supply multi brand compatible sling models, material and size options:

Floor Lift Slings Chart:

Sit-to-Stand Lift Slings Chart:

Shop the full collection of Direct Supply’s multi-brand slings to standardize and save on slings in your healthcare setting.

A best practice is to assess the needs of each individual patient to determine the lift and sling mix you should purchase. Some benefits of purchasing patient-specific slings include:

How Do I Determine What Sling My Resident Needs?

While fit and comfort are important assessment factors when choosing the correct sling, there are other essential considerations to take into account. The determination of the correct sling model and size must be done by a licensed clinician. That designated licensed clinician should:

1. Assess the resident and determine that the resident actually requires a lift/assist device
2. Determine the correct lift/assist device and sling based on the resident assessment and the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the appropriate sling based on the desired function.
3. Document the specific recommended lift/assist device (make, model and weight capacity) and sling (make, model and size – including any specific attachment instructions). Remember, slings can be made of mesh, breathable fabric, nylon, quilted, padded and may have parts that can be plastic or metal. Be specific.

How Do I Ensure Proper Usage?

Having the proper equipment is an excellent start, but making sure your staff and residents know how to use them is absolutely essential. Be sure to follow any and all manufacturer instructions and safety compliance instructions. Additionally, consider these tips:

Why Patient Weight Matters

“While weight measurement is very important, my focus is your health. I want you to become a healthier person—whatever that looks like for you, and weight is a part of that,” Dr. Harris says. Weight gain could mean a patient is retaining fluids, but weight gain also makes it harder to breathe and can strain the heart, which is why weight is monitored more closely for patients going through dialysis or congestive heart failure.

For most patients, weight is just one piece of the puzzle, which is why Dr. Harris chooses not to make it a primary focus when working with patients on general wellness. However, some patients do benefit from having objective data, such as weight, to track their progress to reach their wellness goals, especially if they’re using a program such as Noom® or WeightWatchers®.

Dr. Harris also emphasized the need for reliable pediatric scales when treating infants and children. Many medications for children must be dosed based on weight, and parents need the reassurance of knowing their baby is healthy and growing. Moms who have never breastfed before are frequently nervous about whether their child is eating enough because it’s not something they can easily measure at home. Dr. Harris says she’ll invite new moms to come in and do a breastfeeding session. “We weigh the baby before nursing, and then we weigh the baby after, and then mom’s reaction is, ‘I can’t believe how much that baby just ate!’”

Important Health Scale Features

“Accuracy is very important,” Dr. Harris says. Making health and treatment plans, possibly beginning intervention care, that’s based on weight makes accuracy essential. Healthcare providers need to trust the scales they’re using—physician, wheelchair or pediatric—are accurately displaying patient weights every time they’re used.

Dr. Harris also explained that a BMI (body mass index) function could be useful for patients who want data about their overall wellness journey. They can see that not only are they losing weight, but they are, in fact, gaining muscle.

While the unit of measure conversion isn’t often used at Cedar Ridge, Dr. Harris says that the function is useful when she prescribes medication for children. Many children’s medications are dosed based on weight in kilograms, and being able to switch the scale from pounds to kilograms simplifies the process.

Maintenance for the Healthweigh scales at Cedar Ridge is done on a routine schedule, ensuring the scales work accurately, so Dr. Harris says she doesn’t have to think about it. She noted that in previous jobs, the staff had to be more mindful of discrepancies and request calibration instead of following an established schedule for maintenance and calibration. While there’s not one right answer for what that schedule will look like, it is important to have a regular routine for maintenance. It’s also important to use certified calibration weights to check for accuracy, as consumer weights, such as barbells, are not required to meet exact weights.

Healthweigh Scales

Direct Supply offers a range of Healthweigh scales and certified calibration weights from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. Choose from physician scales, wheelchair scales, neonatal scales and more for accurate weighing at every stage of life. We work closely with Rice Lake Weighing Systems to ensure quick shipping and expert support are available when you need it.

Transform Your Community with Resident-Centered Furniture Solutions

Looking to create spaces that stand out and make a meaningful impact? Download our Senior Living Furniture Guide for tailored insights into furniture designed specifically for senior living environments. Discover room-by-room solutions that not only enhance comfort, safety, and style but also meet the unique needs of your residents and staff.

This guide provides expert recommendations on high-durability, easy-to-clean pieces that bring together functionality and aesthetics. Plus, with options like supportive armrests and mobility-friendly casters, you’ll find choices that promote resident independence and streamline staff workflow. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your spaces and boost community appeal—download the guide today to start planning for a more engaging, efficient environment.

Keeping Nursing Home Food Warm and Maintaining Food Safety

Tip: Consider Travel Distance and Time the Process

The first thing to consider is how far the food is traveling. The clock starts ticking the moment the first meal is plated and doesn’t stop until the last plate is delivered. Most people underestimate how long it takes for food to reach residents, failing to take into account that the caregiver delivering food may stop to talk with a co-worker or provide assistance to a resident.

To get a sense of your current delivery times, start timing when the first meal is plated and then put that same timer on the last tray that will be delivered. Let your staff know that over the course of a week, you will be timing the tray delivery process to help ensure your residents are getting hot food. Be sure to reassure them that the point of this exercise is to assess the process so you can properly gauge which system is needed for your unique situation.

If longer than 30 minutes is required, many communities use a traditional wax pellet system, which has holding times anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the product brand. These systems use a plate heater, a pellet heater, a base lifter, an underliner, and an insulated dome. there are also chilled pellets that can be used to keep cold food cold.

• For those needing a longer hold time, there is an option that offers a holding time of up to 90 minutes; this unit has a charging cycle of 10-15 seconds depending on the base used

So, you have your hot food covered. Now how do you get it to the resident?

Selecting and Utilizing Meal Carts for Safe and Efficient Tray Delivery Service

Tip: Take into account your unique needs and select the meal cart that matches them

Incorporating Disposable and Reusable Takeout Containers

Tip: Save time and help reduce the risk of cross-contamination with the use of disposable containers

Disposable Containers

Single-use foodservice packaging provides a sanitary way to serve fresh food. It can also play a key part in promoting safety, reducing foodborne illness, and saving staff valuable time during the cleanup process. For those looking for sustainable options, there are containers made of sugarcane & bamboo available.

Reusable Containers

For an environmentally friendly option, G.E.T. Eco-Takeout solutions offer reusability and quality in a reliable to-go container.

How can AI help in Healthcare Procurement?

AI-driven procurement can streamline many different processes. AI can also help in predicting demand for medical supplies and equipment. The advanced knowledge of incoming trends in demand allows healthcare organizations to better plan and manage their inventory. This can prevent shortages and reduce the risk of stockouts, ensuring that patients receive the care they need when they need it.

Additionally, AI can analyze the supplier performance data to identify trends and patterns. Vendor businesses can be inconsistent in decision making, delivery speed and availability. AI is helping healthcare organizations make more informed decisions when selecting vendors. 

AI can assist in monitoring and tracking the quality of products and services provided by suppliers. Data driven decisions ensure that healthcare organizations are receiving the best possible value for their money. AI can automate routine tasks and provide real-time insights. Through this exclusive level of information gathering, AI can help healthcare procurement teams work more efficiently and effectively.

Integrating AI into procurement allows healthcare purchasing teams to drive greater cost savings, improve efficiency, and drive strategic sourcing. With less on their plate, senior living and healthcare providers can focus on providing the best resident and patient care.

How does DSSI use Artificial Intelligence Technology?

Direct Supply® DSSI™ changed the game from procurement automation to optimization. The platform strives to help healthcare procurement experts utilize technology in a way that humans can’t. We are taking this a step further with AI programming and development. DSSI uses artificial intelligence in procurement and supply chain management to help healthcare organizations by:

1: Boosting efficiency with healthcare procurement software

One way in which the DSSI platform leverages AI to boost efficiency is through its Stock-Outs functionality. The system identifies when a product is not available and suggests a similar replacement in real-time. This saves the user time during their buying process. It also avoids a situation where a customer needs an immediate solution, but doesn’t have an existing “Plan B” product. Overall, this feature prevented over 200,000 stockout situations in 2023.

“Humans can’t efficiently process all the data needed to choose the correct products across multiple suppliers and distribution centers. Product availability also changes often, making management nearly impossible,” says Andrew Novotny, Vice President of Product Development and Engineering for Direct Supply DSSI. 

“It’s an arduous problem for a human to solve. The only way we can solve this problem is to look at new healthcare technology trends within artificial intelligence”.

When it comes to healthcare procurement, there’s constant change with product availability. The entire industry is grappling with inflation and supply chain disruptions. Direct Supply DSSI uses data driven procurement technology to ensure supply consistency. The DSSI platform’s real-time, AI-driven order guide management (OGM) tool groups items accordingly. The viewer is shown the best available price, which is based on the closest food supplier.

OGM.ai™ directly integrates with suppliers’ stock inventory to replace products that are not available with the best available option. No longer do healthcare organizations need to worry about a crucial item being OoS without an obvious replacement. You can truly swap-and-save with Direct Supply DSSI healthcare food procurement!

2: Driving cost savings with machine learning in procurement

The DSSI AI engine examines customers’ ordering behaviors to identify recommended products for healthcare based on their individualized ordering algorithm. Traits from purchased products are analyzed by the AI to determine what features customers value most. The system learns user tendencies to make itself smarter, which Novotny believes is in the spirit of AI.

“We’re creating technology to allow purchasers to order what they need quickly and move on with their day,” Novotny says. A more intelligent AI model, trained on more customer data, will provide the best suggestions to customers.

A strong example of DSSI AI driving optimized purchasing can be found with our tool that redirects purchasers to a contract-compliant product. In 2023, this feature automatically redirected over 40,000 purchases that would’ve otherwise broken contract compliance. This feature helped our customers to maintain compliance with order guides, supplier contracts and relationships.

The DSSI AI tools constantly learn from users’ purchasing behaviors. The system understands the best options for senior living and healthcare organizations. We deliver custom procurement savings for each organization.

There are many benefits to implementing machine learning in procurement optimization. The cost saving opportunities provided by this AI-powered software are a source of significant impact. Businesses can use these opportunities for continuous improvement to upgrade and improve any automated procurement system. 

3: Using AI in spend analytics and procurement cost savings

From a DSSI perspective, Novotny says the two top priorities are enhancing efficiency and helping customers pinpoint savings opportunities. Direct Supply DSSI is using AI and algorithms to aid in rebate processing, a complex relationship between manufacturers, purchasing organizations and distributors. AI can look at all the variable factors of product purchasing and determine a lower price for the organization.

Optimized rebate processing can aid in greater procurement contract compliance. Volumes and contract lengths are another factor. It may be better for healthcare customers to swap from Product A to Product B. Product B might actually be a lower total cost. Even though the initial price might be higher, the rebates based on volume end up making it lower. DSSI’s OGM.ai technology helps to identify rebate processing optimization opportunities and other important contract implications, resulting in $18 million in annualized savings for our customers in 2023.

It’s hard to understand procurement cost savings if you can’t visualize them. The data visualization tools allow senior living and healthcare organizations to actively see their procurement patterns and sourcing processes. Their spend analytics can help connect cost, spend and purchasing for optimal procurement within the healthcare sector.

“Our tagline is always ‘Taking Cost out of Healthcare,’” Novotny says. “How can we find unique, novel ways to remove costs for our end users? AI is just one of our tools to do that.”

The Future of the Healthcare Procurement Process

Novotny believes there will be many AI-related additions to help customers make more streamlined purchasing decisions. Procurement teams and AI researchers are constantly developing new procurement software.  As AI becomes more advanced, it will be able to provide even more valuable insights and recommendations to help organizations make informed decisions. It could even evolve to replace labor in certain roles. 

Integrating AI into your healthcare procurement process can enhance your supplier relationships, operations, decision making and data acquisition. In turn, this will boost your bottom line and make your work easier. The artificial intelligence technology of Direct Supply DSSI can solve your largest healthcare procurement challenges.

AI in Healthcare Procurement FAQ:

Why are Mergers & Acquisitions becoming so common?

According to the McKnight 2024 Outlook, nearly 40% of Skilled Nursing owners and executives believe they will sell some or all of their senior living portfolio in 2024. There are a number of reasons leading to these healthcare mergers and acquisitions within Skilled Nursing:

1. High inflation
2. Unstable Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements
3. Increased labor costs
4. Stagnant incoming revenue
5. High interest rate pressure

As inflation costs increase worldwide, many providers have struggled to gain a foothold financially. Even before inflation rose, it was difficult for smaller providers to manage procurement, labor costs and new regulations. Now they must do so while grappling with higher prices. This has led to smaller organizations merging with larger ones to absorb their financial burden. 

With our expertise, healthcare facilities can consolidate their supply chains, ensuring consistent product quality and availability across all locations. Direct Supply DSSI offers valuable support in managing increased demand, optimizing inventory, and reducing costs. Our data-driven insights and analytics provide a clear view of procurement activities, helping to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency improvements. By working with us, healthcare providers can focus on integrating their operations and delivering excellent resident care, knowing their procurement needs are in expert hands.

M&A trends continue to emerge as the senior living industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. DSSI is here to help your organization establish efficient procedures in your procurement activity.

Mergers and Acquisitions: What problems can DSSI help with?

One large struggle is figuring out how to handle procurement. This struggle is especially evident when your team hasn’t had a designated procurement professional in the past. For most mid-sized organizations, managing vendors and establishing a procurement strategy are tasks that fall by the wayside. 

When merging or acquiring new companies or assets, there may be inconsistencies in supply chain management. This can lead to potential disruptions in product availability and quality. Coordinating inventory across multiple locations becomes more difficult, and managing increased demand can strain existing resources. Additionally, aligning the procurement strategies of merging entities can be challenging, as each organization may have different practices and vendor relationships. 

As your organization gets larger, these questions within procurement become necessary to answer to establish financial success. Saving time, cost reduction, and risk management become areas of interest. Getting your arms around what strategic procurement looks like in healthcare and senior living is priority one. And luckily, DSSI has a wealth of experience helping folks navigate that transition.

Our decades of experience in supply chain management helps our customers in the healthcare industry save money. We can help manage suppliers, improve contract management and develop a cost effective strategy that works for your business. 

When should DSSI get involved in the M&A process?

Early communication is key. One benefit of working with DSSI is the industry expertise established over the last 30+ years. Our procurement data from so many successful partnerships helps us to make informed decisions. The DSSI team is here to support your growth and success, and we can add significant value throughout the M&A process and beyond. 

The DSSI procurement strategy is built on supporting your relationships with your suppliers. We will support your communication with your supply chain throughout the process. We will implement a procurement system to give you the control that you’re looking for. Products and services your organization requires will be purchased from visible, trusted suppliers

The DSSI spend management consulting team will also support your expanding internal procurement team. The system establishes standardized purchasing processes and provides an opportunity for your organization to instill confidence. It can also aid in quickly acclimating the team members you have also acquired through the acquisition or merger. Your procurement department will be our close partner, working with us on supplier negotiating, inventory management, and ensuring compliance with your plans for your procurement operation.

How can healthcare providers leverage DSSI when acquiring new buildings?

Buildings are being shuffled like cards in a hand of poker and they’re changing owners rapidly. There’s an opportunity to leverage DSSI technology and industry expertise to establish a healthcare procurement strategy.

Establishing a data-driven strategy will reduce the time you need for procurement management, even in the short term. Whether that’s relationships with vendors or analyzing your spend to find opportunity for savings, or just less time managing the requests and approvals that are necessary for large purchases, all of those burdens can be lessened with a system like DSSI.

What are the benefits of partnering with DSSI?

There is a large list of benefits to the DSSI procurement solution in general. With respect to customers undergoing mergers and acquisitions in particular, one really stands out. Real-time visibility into the spend-down that’s happening in your buildings can be crucial to identifying opportunities for cost reduction. 

As a new owner, one challenge is the lack of long-standing personal relationships with your new employees. You’re trusting that they’re acting in your best interests, but you may be operating on blind faith. Working with DSSI ensures that a second eye is watching your new employees and helping them learn how you do business.

With DSSI, you can reduce risk, remove time consuming tasks and a wide range of other helpful benefits. You can see everything from the orders that are being placed, including your approvals on those orders. You can see how well your new buildings are complying to your existing contracts. If employees are ordering off contracts with vendors you have not approved, you’ll know.

Direct Supply DSSI allows you to be an active manager because it gives you visibility into data you would need. It’s better than being reactive based on the financial reporting that you would otherwise produce routinely. Protect your bottom line with DSSI.

Setting the Stage for Hospital Food Service Quality Improvement

Tip: Consider Travel Distance: Time the Hospital Food Service Process

The first thing to consider is how long it takes to deliver the meals. The clock starts ticking the moment the first meal is plated and doesn’t stop until the last plate is delivered. To get a sense of your current delivery times, have your staff spend a week timing when the first meal is plated and then put that same timer on the last tray that will be delivered.

 Be sure to reassure them that the point of this week-long exercise is to assess the hospital food service process so you can properly gauge which system is needed. Once you determine how long it takes your team to deliver the meals, you can decide which meal delivery system best meets your needs. Systems are rated for 30, 60, or 90 minute hold times. Shop Foodservice Solutions to help prioritize quality patient care in the hospital food delivery process.

If meal delivery takes longer than 30 minutes, there are several options to consider. One option is the traditional pellet method.  Depending on the brand of pellets, you can get anywhere from 60-90 minutes of hold time. There is also the option of induction systems. These induction systems come in several different varieties…

• The 90 minute option can heat food in 10-15 seconds depending on the base being used 

  • This option also charges up to 240 bases per hour

For any of these different systems, it is important to note that the induction bases are not interchangeable across brands. You must use the specific base for the style of warmer you are using.

So, you have your hot food covered. Now how do you get it to the patient?

Selecting and Utilizing Hospital Trays and Meal Carts

Tip: Take into account your unique needs and select the hospital food cart that matches them

In addition to food carts and trays, you may want to consider other products that will enhance your hospital foodservice. Patients and staff need to stay hydrated – consider a quality Commercial Ice Machine or ice and water dispensers to serve patients and staff alike. Easy Installation and Delivery Services are also available for stress-free appliance purchases.

Incorporating Containers and Smallwares for Improving Hospital Foodservice

Tip: Save time and help reduce the risk of cross-contamination with the use of disposable containers, hospital drinking cups, and hospital utensils

1. Hospital Ice Machine Sanitation & Maintenance

Regular hospital ice machine maintenance and cleaning will prolong equipment life and increase your ROI. Look for the following features for hospital ice machine cost effectiveness:

Auto-Purge: This feature controls the amount of scale buildup between cleanings by purging mineral laden water out of the machine.

Ultra Violet Lights:  This feature creates “active air” which  passes over exposed food zone components and inhibits the growth of viruses, bacteria, yeast and other common microorganisms. Only a simple UV bulb change is recommended once a year to maintain effectiveness.   

Ozone: This feature prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast and mold in your hospital ice maker by keeping the machine’s interior, storage bin, dispenser, and drains clean.

2. Types of Hospital Ice: Cubelets, Flakes, and Nuggets

Cube ice is hard and clear. Depending on the size you select, cubes can be difficult to chew and can pose a choking hazard. Cube ice melts the slowest.

Flake ice consists of small, soft pieces. It melts fairly quickly but is perfect for displaying products and hand scooping into drinks.

Nugget ice (or sonic ice) is smaller and softer than cube ice. It is still an effective coolant and is hard enough to be dispensed without hand scooping, but soft and small enough to chew. 

Hospital Ice Maker Tip: Nugget ice is great for patients who like to chew ice as it’s less of a choking hazard. It can also be used in cold therapy, in beverages and to make blended drinks. When selecting a machine for your hospital, keep in mind nugget ice may be referred to differently across brands: Scotsman and Manitowoc call it chewable nuggets and Hoshizaki calls it flaked ice or cubelets.

Whether you’re searching for a water and ice maker dispenser for your break room, patient floors, or self-service kitchen, consider production capacity, touch free dispensing and size when reviewing these chewable ice type machine options:

• Hoshizaki Ice and Water Dispensers for Cubelet Ice
• Manitowoc Ice & Water Machines for Nugget Ice
• Scotsman Meridian Ice and Water Dispensers for Nugget Ice

3. Types of Commercial Hospital Ice Machines: Floor-Standing, Undercounter, or Countertop

Floor-standing commercial ice machines (also called modular ice machines) can usually generate enough ice to be the primary source of ice for most facilities. Ice production can be limited by available ice storage space, so a floor-standing machine should be coupled with a properly sized bin or dispenser. Hotel-style bins offer touch-free dispensing and may have a built-in cuber head.

Countertop commercial ice machines are appropriate for low-volume ice requirements and can be used in nurses’ stations, patient self-service locations and therapy rooms. Touch-free options are available to reduce the risk of cross-contamination but require a specific hand placement on the drinking glass to activate the flow of ice.

4. Maximum Production: Amount of Hospital Ice Needed

The listed maximum ice production is the most amount of ice a commercial ice machine is able to produce in 24 hours (based on 70°F air and 50°F incoming water temperature). Estimated maximum production capability of a commercial ice machine can be lowered by factors including:

• A warm or overcrowded location
• Warm incoming water
• Small storage bin

Typically, you can estimate actual ice production at 85% of the unit’s listed maximum ice production. Hospital cafeterias use about 1lb of ice per person per day and an average of 10 lbs of ice for every patient bed.

6. Ice Maker Cooling System Options: Air-Cooled or Water-Cooled

Air-cooled commercial ice machines typically require 8″ of clearance on the sides and top to operate properly, so they are not a good choice in smaller spaces or in hot kitchens. In temperatures over 90°F, air-cooled machines will not reach full production capacity. Air-cooled units can cost less to operate over the life of the machine, saving money in the long run. Some air-cooled units are ENERGY STAR® qualified.

Water-cooled commercial ice machines use a once-through water system where the water used to cool the machine is subsequently dumped down a drain. This wastes a significant amount of water and may result in a higher water bill. However, water-cooled machines work well in tight spaces without ventilation, such as a closet or in a hot kitchen with temperatures over 90°F.

Regulatory Tip: If you are considering a water-cooled machine, be sure to check your local regulatory codes. Some states prohibit the use of water-cooled machines.

7. Water Treatment Systems for Hospital Ice Makers: Filter or Scale Elimination

70% of commercial hospital ice machine maintenance issues are related to water. The proper use of water filters and scale reduction systems can help eliminate hospital ice machine maintenance problems. 

Scale elimination systems reduce scale throughout your kitchen, resulting in fewer service calls, lower maintenance costs, improved energy utilization and longer hospital ice machine life.

8. Hospital Ice Machine Certifications

Certifications can help you determine the best commercial hospital ice machine that meets your needs for safety, performance, maintenance and efficiency.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) tests products and certifies that they meet established safety standards.

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is an independent nonprofit organization that certifies products meet standard for design, performance and cleanability.

ENERGY STAR® products are independently certified to save energy, save money and protect the environment. Depending on the type of machine, ENERGY STAR ice machines are 10% to 16% percent more energy efficient and 20% more water efficient

Commercial Hospital Ice Machine FAQ:

1 Commercial Ice Machines, Energy Star (2023)