Gold is a metal that is known for its beauty. So why is it used in so many Medical Devices that are used where no one can see it – inside the human body?
The main reason is that gold is non-reactive and does not degrade when it comes into contact with blood or human tissue. Thin layers of gold can be plated onto a variety of other materials that would normally react with human tissue and placed in the human body, either for short periods of time or permanently.
The Good News: You Do Not Need to Recover Gold-Containing Medical Devices from Bodies!
Fortunately, there are ways to collect unused Medical devices that were never used, or which have been sterilized after being used in diagnostic tests and other procedures. One of the best ways to obtain these devices is to contact hospitals, testing labs, and even doctors’ and veterinarians’ offices and ask if they have unused medical devices that they will sell you.
Here are some devices that contain large enough quantities of gold to be worth recycling.
Battery covers and casings - Many implantable medical devices contain batteries. And if those leak, poisons will be released into the human body. However, gold plating can prevent that kind of leakage and also will provide corrosion resistance.
Dental devices – For years, gold has been extensively used to make bridges, caps, and other items that are installed in the mouth. In addition, gold wire has been used for more than 100 years to attach gold bridges and other items to surrounding teeth.
Housings - Many medical devices contain microcircuit boards that must be protected from bodily fluids. These delicate components are often installed in gold-plated metal cases because gold prevents corrosion.
Pacemakers – Implantable pacemakers regulate the beating of the heart. Gold casings protect the internal parts of pacemakers. In addition, gold is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Scopes and probes – Modern, minimally invasive surgical procedures are gaining favor because they reduce pain and allow patients to recover faster from surgery. Many of these procedures are performed using optical endoscopes and arthroscopes, which can be plated with gold to protect against corrosion.
Stents – Stents are small metal mesh tubes that are placed into blood vessels to facilitate blood flow in blocked or narrow arteries. A number of stents today are plated with gold.
How to Recycle Electronic Devices and Get Paid for the Full Value of the Gold They Contain
Call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners and speak with one of our precious metals refining specialists. The number to call is 800-426-2344.
Learn moreRelated Posts
Dental Platinum Scrap: The “Other” Kind of Dental Scrap You Should Know About
Recycling Opportunity - More Medical Equipment Is Getting Scrapped than Ever Before
New Medical Technologies Spur a Boom in Platinum Use
Why It Pays to Recycle Electrophysiology (EP) Catheters
Why It Pays to Recycle Silver in Old X-Ray Films and Supplies
Bright Shiny Platinum Could Be Hiding in Your Dented and Dirty Old Labware
