In healthcare, the reliability of every component of your medical equipment can make a life-saving difference—especially in medical tubing. Medical tubing plays a critical role in patient care, from fluid management to medical devices. Choosing the right material is essential to ensure safety, performance, and biocompatibility. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most commonly used materials in medical tubing and their specific benefits so you can make the most informed decisions when selecting materials for different types of applications.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is one of the most commonly used plastics in medical tubing due to its versatility and affordability. It can be formulated to be either flexible or rigid, making it suitable for a wide range of medical applications. One of its key properties is biocompatibility, as PVC can be made to meet the strict requirements necessary for medical use. Additionally, it offers strong chemical resistance, allowing it to withstand exposure to various chemicals and bodily fluids, which makes it ideal for fluid management systems. Typical applications of PVC include IV tubing, dialysis tubing, catheters, and respiratory equipment.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPE)
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) is increasingly popular in medical tubing because of its flexibility and durability. TPE uniquely blends the elasticity of rubber with the strength of plastic, allowing it to meet the demanding requirements of various medical applications. One of its standout features is its elasticity that enables the tubing to bend without kinking and stretch as needed. These qualities are essential for medical devices that require a high degree of movement such as catheters, infusion pumps, and drug delivery systems. Furthermore, TPE offers abrasion resistance and meets strict medical standards, ensuring safety for direct patient contact and long-term use.
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene (PE) has earned its place in the medical field, thanks to its adaptability and reliable performance. Known for being lightweight and chemically resistant, PE can handle the demands of various medical settings. It’s available in forms like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), each offering distinct advantages. For instance, LDPE offers excellent flexibility for tubing that needs to navigate intricate paths, while HDPE’s superior chemical resistance allows it to endure moisture, aggressive substances and repeated sterilization. All of these properties combined make PE an acceptable choice for applications involving direct contact with bodily fluids, such as IV lines, drainage tubes, and enteral feeding tubes.
Nylon (Polyamide)
Nylon, or polyamide, is a strong and durable material often used in medical tubing for its toughness and resistance to abrasion. In particular, it excels in maintaining durability under mechanical stress or tension—an essential feature in high-demand medical scenarios. This, in combination with its low friction surface, make it best suited for applications where seamless movement is key. Nylon’s chemical resistance also ensures it can withstand exposure to most oils, chemicals, and solvents, supporting its use in critical medical settings. Whether used in catheters, vascular grafts, or as components in medical devices, it offers the reliability and toughness needed for optimal performance.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a medical tubing material that has a high melting point, making it perfect for applications that require autoclaving or high-temperature sterilization. Its strong ability to withstand exposure to a variety of acids and bases, deems it ideal for transporting chemicals or pharmaceuticals. Despite its strength, PP is lightweight, which not only cuts down on material costs but also ensures ease of use without sacrificing durability. This versatile material is also trusted in medical syringes, lab tubing, and diagnostic equipment, providing reliable performance where it matters most.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate’s (PC) durability and optical clarity sets it apart from conventional plastics in the medical field. In critical care settings, its exceptional transparency enables healthcare providers to monitor fluid flow and detect potential complications with precision, while its formidable strength and impact resistance provides a crucial safety margin in fast-paced medical environments. Equally important is polycarbonate’s thermal stability, which allows it to maintain structural integrity through repeated high-temperature sterilization cycles without degrading or compromising patient safety. These complementary properties have made polycarbonate the material of choice across a spectrum of medical applications, from intricate respiratory circuits to sophisticated diagnostic devices, where the stakes of failure are simply too high to compromise on material performance.
Polysulfone (PSU)
Polysulfone (PSU) is a medical-grade thermoplastic that combines exceptional strength with outstanding thermal and chemical resilience. Its ability to withstand repeated steam autoclaving without degradation makes it invaluable for reusable medical devices, while its robust chemical resistance ensures longevity across diverse clinical applications. Thoroughly tested for biocompatibility, PSU has become the foundation for critical medical equipment—from dialysis systems to surgical instruments.
Your Medical Tubing Experts
Selecting the appropriate material for medical tubing is crucial to meeting the specific demands of each medical application. At PBS Plastics, we offer expert guidance in material selection and provide custom solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. From flexible TPEU to robust polysulfone, we ensure that our medical tubing meets the highest standards of safety and performance.
For more information on how we can assist with your medical tubing requirements, contact us today to discuss your project needs.