There are still a lot of hospitals that use throwaway thermometer caps. The use of these use-once caps for thermometers should be reduced or eliminated in hospitals and healthcare facilities for several reasons. Here are five reasons why you should switch from throw-away caps to cleaning thermometers between patients:

1.     Environmental impact: Disposable items contribute to the growing problem of waste and environmental pollution. By reducing the use of disposables, hospitals can minimize the amount of plastic and other materials that end up in landfills or oceans, helping to protect the environment.
2.     Cost savings: Hospitals often deal with tight budgets and increasing healthcare costs. Meanwhile, they buy tons of throwaway caps. The caps may only cost a few pennies, but they have a huge impact on hospital budgets. In the long run, facilities can save a lot of money by reducing disposables.
3.     Resource conservation: Manufacturing disposables requires significant amounts of energy, water, and raw materials. By reducing the demand for disposable items, hospitals can contribute to resource conservation and minimize their ecological footprint.
4.     Infection control: While disposable caps may provide a certain level of infection control, proper cleaning of the sensor head of the thermometer and disinfection protocols can effectively mitigate the risk of cross-contamination. So there is no need for the use of throw-away caps. In cases where fever protocol calls for caps, hospitals should consider using reusable caps that can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses.
5.     Promoting sustainable practices: Healthcare facilities play a crucial role in setting an example and promoting sustainable practices. By adopting environmentally friendly alternatives and reducing waste generation, hospitals can inspire their staff, patients, and communities to embrace sustainable behaviors.