Mounting Options:
DIN-Rail Series
Workstation Series
Desktop Series
Rack Mount Series
Medical USB devices are valuable and reliable when they are well made. They can perform specialized monitoring tasks and transmit information to almost any computer. The devices can draw their power from the connector.
USB connections have a high level of compatibility. Devices supporting old versions of the protocol work with the latest computers and drivers, and speedy USB 3.1 devices can fall back on earlier protocol versions when connected to older computers. Connecting Type C ports to Type A is just a matter of getting the right cable or adapter.
The ability to power devices through the cable is often useful. There’s no need for an external power supply to plug in, and there’s no need for batteries that may run out of charge at an inconvenient time.
Some people are concerned that USB devices may not be safe enough for medical applications. Any detachable device can be used carelessly, but it’s not the fault of the connection. People have been known to pick up USB thumb drives that were left in parking lots as bait and plug them in. It’s not surprising if that gets them into trouble.
With proper precautions, USB devices are highly safe. The connection is hard-wired, so it doesn’t have the complications and risks of a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. Configuring a wireless connection carelessly can expose data to interception; configuring a USB interface incorrectly results, at worst, in no connection.
Because USB is a widely used protocol with backward compatibility to 2.0 in both directions, devices can easily be moved from one computer to another.
Any removable device has its risks. Some simple practices will keep these risks to a minimum and ensure reliable use of medical USB devices.
There are just sensible security precautions, and for the most part, they apply whether your organization uses its own USB devices or not. HIPAA compliance requires keeping personal health information safe, wherever it’s stored.
Computers for medical applications should use trustworthy, reliable hardware, and USB ports and hubs are no exception. Coolgear delivers hubs that will perform consistently in clinical environments where failure is unacceptable.
Cheap devices may break or short out under repeated insertion and removal. The physical connection should be as sturdy as possible. The power capacity should be enough to handle all the devices that will be plugged into the hub. Clinical personnel shouldn’t be afraid of what will happen when they plug in one more device.
Good security practices and good equipment are the keys to the safe and reliable use of USB-connected clinical equipment. Contact us for information on equipment that will satisfy the rigorous needs of the health care industry.