The clinic essentials checklist

Why essentials matter

The treatment products get the attention, but consumables are what keep a clinic running smoothly and safely. Running out of the right needle gauge or skin prep on a busy day costs time, money and goodwill.

Use this checklist to set up a new treatment room, or to audit the stock you already have.

Treatment consumables

The basics for injectable treatments:

• Needles in the gauges your products and training call for, commonly from 27G to 33G.
• Blunt-tip cannulas, commonly from 22G to 27G, in the lengths you use.
• Luer-lock syringes for mixing and transfer.
• Spare needles that match those supplied with your products.

Hygiene and infection control

Clean technique is basic to every treatment:

• Nitrile gloves in a range of sizes.
• Aprons, and masks where needed.
• Skin preparation solutions, such as chlorhexidine-based preps, following your protocols.
• Hard-surface disinfectant wipes and sprays.
• Hand hygiene supplies at every sink.

Sharps and clinical waste

Make sure you have:

• Sharps bins of a suitable size, dated when assembled.
• A clinical waste contract with a licensed collector.
• Waste transfer notes kept on file.

UK clinics must manage healthcare waste in line with environmental and health and safety regulations.

Couch and room supplies

Everyday room stock:

• Couch roll and pillow covers.
• Gauze swabs, cotton pads and buds.
• Cold packs.
• Mirrors and headbands for patients.
• Good task lighting, and photography set-up for consent records.

Aftercare and records

Finish every appointment properly:

• Printed aftercare cards for each treatment type.
• Consent forms and medical history forms.
• Peel-off batch labels filed in patient notes.
• A complication kit, kept in date and in line with your training and insurer's requirements.

Keeping stock under control

Set a minimum stock level for each item, check stock weekly and reorder before you hit it. Approved trade accounts can reorder from recently viewed products in their account. HQ can also set up a regular delivery for essentials you always use.

Professional use

This guide is general product information for trained professionals. It is not clinical advice. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU), your training, your insurer's requirements and current UK guidance.