Home health and consumer medical devices
Home health and consumer medical devices are generally used in the home and in a home-like environment, like a long-term care home. You can use them without help from a health care provider. They're available for sale in person and online from specialists, pharmacies or other retailers. As technology evolves and health care practices change, more complex medical devices are available for use by consumers.
Read more about some types of home health and consumer medical devices.
Menstrual tampons
About tampons health risks, including toxic shock syndrome, minimizing the risk
Pulse oximeters
About pulse oximeters for consumers and health care providers, Health Canada's role
Medical test kits for home use
About medical test kits for home use and their safety and effectiveness, the risks, Health Canada's role
Bed rails
About bed rails, benefits and risks, concerns about bed rail use, reducing the risk, reporting a problem or concern
Patient lifts
About types of patient lifts, managing the risk of falls, reporting a problem or concern
Blood glucose monitors
About blood glucose monitors and test strips, what causes inaccurate readings, tips for accurate test results
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
How to choose, properly maintain and store an automated external defibrillator, and information on cardiac arrest.
Nasal rinsing devices
About the different types of nasal rinsing devices and the increased risk of infection if used incorrectly.
Biotin and the risk of false lab test results
About biotin and how it can interfere with many lab tests to cause false test results.