Patient Shield Concepts
Reinventing Infection Control with Smart, Simple Solutions

Mindy Hecht, MPH, COO; Dr. Lynn White, Anesthesiologist, MD & CMO

Infections may spread in mere seconds, but Patient Shield Concepts is matching that pace with swift, preventative solutions. Founded by anesthesiologist, MD, and CMO, Dr. Lynn White and Dr. Stanley Rosen, the company addresses a pressing issue in acute care settings: stopping the cross-contamination of bacteria and viruses from contaminated suction implements.

Determined to break this cycle of contamination, Dr. White and her team developed SuctionShield, a simple and effective holster that keeps suction implements off contaminated surfaces and out of harm’s way. By reducing cross-contamination risks, Patient Shield Concepts is creating safer environments for both patients and healthcare providers.

“SuctionShield holsters provide infection control by reducing cross contamination at the bedside, providing a safe, identifiable storage space for used suction implements,” says Dr. White.

SuctionShield: A Simple Solution to a Critical Infection Control Risk

The concept behind SuctionShield emerged in the operating room, where suction devices used in patients’ oral and respiratory tracts were routinely placed on contaminated surfaces—under pillows, alongside ventilators, or even on the floor—before being reused. Research shows that many suction implements in acute care can harbor various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses capable of surviving on dry surfaces for extended periods. These pathogens can spread easily as healthcare staff move between rooms, often carrying microbes on their clothing or arms.

SuctionShield was developed to address this frequently overlooked yet critical problem. Initially designed for operating rooms, its effectiveness quickly caught the attention of clinicians across the healthcare spectrum, leading to broad adoption in ambulances, emergency departments, ICUs, and step-down units.

Engineered for single-patient use over a 24-hour period, this straightforward holster isolates potentially contaminated suction devices, making them easily identifiable while significantly reducing cross-contamination risks.

With its bright orange color, SuctionShield stands out in high-traffic clinical settings, and its sturdy, re-attachable construction remains secure until deliberately removed. A grid-bottom design allows suction tips to air-dry completely, helping inhibit microbial growth. Made from disposable and recyclable materials, SuctionShield strengthens infection control and supports broader sustainability efforts.

SuctionShield is simple to implement, requiring minimal training for healthcare providers. Its universal attachment capability allows it to be placed on various bedside surfaces, including hospital beds, gurneys, and transport stretchers, ensuring seamless integration into any clinical environment.

From Crisis to Control: Elevating Safety in Healthcare

The urgency for such innovations became even more apparent during global health crises like SARS—including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)—and earlier outbreaks such as Ebola. These incidents underscored the need to isolate respiratory implements and safeguard healthcare workers and patients.

“Containing infection for patient and community safety is more important than ever. Even without a raging pandemic, we must not forget the lessons learned,” adds Dr. White.

By aligning with CDC guidelines for infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, SuctionShield contributes to safer healthcare environments. Its design effectively isolates respiratory secretions and contaminated materials, reinforcing standard infection prevention measures and improving patient and clinician safety.

Patient Shield Concepts’ focus on infection control extends beyond individual patient care—it also plays a role in public health efforts. By helping to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), the company reduces the strain on medical systems and enhances overall safety.

Expanding Innovation: The “No Pain Drain”

Beyond SuctionShield, Patient Shield Concepts continues to drive innovation in patient safety and comfort. Its latest offering, the “No Pain Drain,” is a patent-pending fluid drainage system engineered to eliminate discomfort commonly experienced with urinary catheters, chest tubes, and wound drains. By reducing the risk of spasms and irritation, this new solution addresses a critical gap in patient care, aligning seamlessly with the company’s commitment to fostering a safer and more comfortable healthcare experience.

Leading these innovations is a passionate team dedicated to redefining infection control. With expertise spanning public health, strategic growth, and marketing, they work relentlessly to expand awareness and accessibility of groundbreaking solutions. From driving key partnerships to amplifying the company’s presence at trade shows, their collective efforts ensure that innovation reaches the front lines of patient care. Beyond product development, they are on a mission to educate healthcare professionals on the critical role of infection prevention, reinforcing a safer future for patients and caregivers.

A Future Focused on Infection Prevention

Infection control remains a cornerstone of healthcare systems’ efforts to curb disease transmission and protect patient well-being. As clinical environments become increasingly aware of infection risks, the necessity of innovations like the SuctionShield is more evident than ever. Patient Shield Concepts remains steadfast in its advocacy for infection prevention, underscoring the importance of maintaining proactive measures—even in periods outside a global health crisis.

Through participation in trade shows and ongoing outreach, the company ensures medical professionals have the tools and knowledge to protect patients and caregivers. With a robust product lineup, committed leadership, and a dedication to safety, Patient Shield Concepts is redefining infection control practices across the industry. SuctionShield, in particular, has made a noteworthy impact in acute care settings by offering a straightforward yet game-changing solution to an all-too-common problem.