Hospitals and other medical facilities can negotiate directly with sellers or buy supplies through group purchasing organizations. You don’t have access to those, so you can either:
It may be easier for you to buy kits. Many types are available that contain all the supplies you need for specific uses.
This article goes over basic medical tools that you may need and what they’re used for.
IV bagLong, flexible tubeNeedleSecurement device (a butterfly-shaped piece used to secure the needle to the hand)
The exact contents of IV kits depends on which one you choose, but they include things like:
Prep, scrub, and alcohol padsGlovesDressingMedical tapeTourniquet
General Procedure
Supplies you’ll find in general purpose and standard procedure kits can include:
GlovesCompartment trayCotton balls and swabsGauzeOther tools such as forceps, scissors, and scalpels
Stethoscope
Stethoscopes let you listen to important sounds inside someone’s body, such as those made by the:
Heart LungsBlood flowDigestive tract
Thermometer
Thermometers are used to determine body temperature. An abnormal temperature can point to certain problems, such as fever or hypothermia.
Two main types of thermometers are:
Digital: For oral (in the mouth), axilla (armpit), or rectal use. Some products connect to an app on your phone for easy tracking. Pacifier versions for babies are available. Infrared: For tympanic (ear) or temporal (forehead) use.
Mercury thermometers, which used mercury encased in glass, are no longer made due to safety concerns.
Blood Pressure Monitors
When taking blood pressure at home, you can go one of two ways:
An automated digital blood pressure monitorA professional blood-pressure kit like you’d see at a medical facility
Automated Blood Pressure Monitor
An automated monitor is simple to use. You put it on your wrist or arm (depending on the manufacturer’s instructions) and hit a button. The monitor does the rest of the work.
The accuracy of these may vary, so be sure to get a quality monitor. If you want to see how accurate yours is, take it to a medical appointment and compare it to the reading you get there.
Professional Blood Pressure Kit
A professional blood pressure kit may include:
Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure gauge, cuff, and bulb for inflating it)Cuffs of various sizesStethoscope
These setups are harder to use than an automated cuff.
NeedlesSutures (medical thread)SyringesNeedle holdersMedicine cupsTowelsGauzeMedical tapeCompartment traysForcepsScissors
Depending on the nature of the cut, you may be able to use surgical glue, which is sometimes called liquid stitches or tissue adhesive. It’s safe and easier to use at home than stitches.
Hospital beds Stretchers Oxygen equipment CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines for sleep apnea Crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs Braces, splints, slings, and wraps Shower chairs Nebulizers (to change liquid medications into an inhalable mist) Pressure-reducing support surfaces (e. g. , inflatable mattress toppers)
You may need a prescription for some of these items, such as CPAPs or oxygen.
Diabetes supplies include:
Glucometers (glucose meters) to test blood sugar levels Glucose test strips Lancing device and lancets, for finger pokes Insulin Syringes and needles or pre-filled auto-injector pens Hydrogel to treat sores from needles and finger pokes Alcohol swabs for pre-injection skin cleaning Sharps container for needle disposal
Your health insurance policy Medicare or Medicaid Worker’s compensation Special programs through suppliers/manufacturers
You may need a prescription or approval from a healthcare provider for them to be covered.
Keep in mind that some big box stores, drug stores, and online retailers carry medical tools. You may find better prices there than at medical supply stores.
Check with local hospitals and clinics, too. Some of them accept donations of used medical tools and give them to people who can’t afford their own.
Also, you may be able to rent some durable medical equipment, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids. That can help keep costs down if it’s a short-term situation.
Standard tools like IV start kits and medical dressingDiagnostic tools like a stethoscope and blood-pressure kitLaceration supplies such as sutures and medical tapeDurable medical equipment including hospital beds and mobility aidsDiabetic supplies like a glucometer and lancing device
You can buy medical tools at medical supply shops, big box stores, drug stores, and online. Some of these tools may be rentable or covered by insurance or other programs.
A Word From Verywell
Taking care of someone’s medical needs at home is an enormous and important job. Having the right tools can make things easier and better for you and the person you’re caring for.
While the person needing care may be your top priority, remember that you need to take care of yourself, as well.
Use caution with soft items, such as a knee brace, that are harder to disinfect. Get advice from your healthcare provider before buying used items like a CPAP or breast pump, that could potentially spread infection.