Choosing a surgical light needs to be done with great care. Before choosing the lights for an operating theater or outpatient surgery room, take some time to examine the wide variety of lighting available for operations, and choose one according to the type of surgery to be carried out that is within your budget.

Surgical lights are also used for medical examinations where good lighting is crucial to conducting the exam and making a correct diagnosis. Proper illumination from surgical operating lights also has been shown to reduce fatigue and improve concentration.

Several features are essential in choosing a surgical lamp:

1. The surgical light must not be too hot, in order to reduce added heat to the operating theater.
2. The lighting for surgery must be bright enough for illumination.
3. Lighting for operations must not cast shadows.
4. A surgical operating light should also have a foot switch which allows for hands-free use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select the right professionals for your medical lighting needs

When planning your lighting needs, consider working with an architect that has considerable experience in designing surgical suites and operating rooms.

I recommend: A four step plan for success in operating room design is offered by OR Manager. The architectural firm Harley Ellis Devereaux maintains a significant, dedicated group of architects, engineers, estimators and construction specialists focused on supporting the construction process.

Determine your surgical operating light needs

Consider what types of procedures will be performed. Surgical lights are broadly divided into two categories--the fixed type that gives general lighting to the operating theater and the spot surgical light that provides light to the specific area of surgery.

I recommend: The online catalog from Medical Supplies & Equipment Company carries both major and minor lighting for surgeries. From major surgical lights with variable features in high intensity, cool operation, and compact design, to minor medical lighting, you can find the exact surgical lamps to satisfy the demanding requirements of specialty surgery lights. You might also consider buying a used or refurbished light at Venture Medical Requip.

Work within your surgical operating light budget

Proper surgical lighting is central to providing safety in the surgical suite. Good lighting, while essential, can also be very expensive. There are, however, some ways to maximize your surgical operating light budget.

I recommend: Both financing and free shipping on medical lighting are offered by Med1Online. Both factory new operating lights as well as refurbished lighting for operations are available from DRE.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ideally, the surgeon should test the surgical lamps to judge their suitability for use.
  The official source for Surgical Operating Lights is the Surgical Operating Lights page at Business.com