When it comes to lateral patient transfers, there are quite a few options on the market. However, there is one that stands out more than the rest, and that is the Samarit Rollbord.

Being in the hospital equipment business since 1981, we’ve seen a lot of lateral patient transfer devices come and go. We’ve also watched them evolve into what they are now.

Using that knowledge and experience, and referencing an independent lateral transfer study to back it up, our opinion is that Samarit Rollbords give you the best value.

As popular as they are in the medical profession, many people still don’t know how much Samarit Rollbords cost. In this article, we’re going to cover that as well as the criteria that make them the best.

Samarit Rollbord Models

There are several subcategories:

• Hightec Rollbord
• Professional Rollbord
• Blue Transfer Boards

Transfer Board Weight Limits

If we had a nickel for every time we got asked what the weight limitation is for a Samarit Rollbord, we’d literally have about $9.45.

Knowing the weight limit of a transfer board is very important. But, it is also dependent of several factors:

• Support
• Surface of support
• Condition of patient
• Size of patient
• Use of pull sheet
• Age and condition of the product
• Experience of the user

However, knowing full well that everyone still needs to know what the weight limits are for lateral transfer devices, Samarit came out with the following guidelines. Please keep in mind that these are not specific to every patient.

Samarit Rollbord (Foldable and non-foldable)
Hightec, Professional, EcoLite, Blue Transfer Board	150 kg	300 lbs
*Operated by 2 carers and use of pull sheet	180 kg	360 lbs
Samarit Rollbord ICU/Bariatric (Non-foldable)
Hightec, reinforced innercore	200 kg	400 lbs
*Operated by 2 carers and use of pull sheet	230 kg	450 lbs

 

*With obese patients you must use a pull sheet in order to keep the ‘body fat’ under control while transferring and pulling over the Rollbord. If body fat cannot be controlled due to some unknown reason, we suggest using a lifter or sealing lifter for the security of the patient. With obese patients you must make sure that the support (stretcher/bed etc.) can hold the weight of the patient.

The above “weight limit” is based on different influences when a patient is transferred such as: body weight, shape due to body fat, other health conditions, supporting stretcher as well as experience of staff in moving and handling.

The ‘weight limit’ is a guideline to help improve the security of the patient and staff.

Standard Features

For any of the Samarit models listed here, you can take comfort in knowing that they all possess these very important qualities:

1. Teflonised sliding fabric around a polyethylene foam core
2. Coated polyester cloth
3. PE security endings
4. Anti-bacteriologic
5. Flame retardant
6. Radiolucent
7. Made with non-toxic materials
8. Skin-friendly (no latex)
9. Disposable covers available
10. Tear resistant nylon cloth
11. Bridges gaps up to 20 cm
12. Lightweight and can be suspended

As for design and overall quality though, they do differ a lot. The Hightec rollbords are the premium patient transfer board and have a 3 year warranty. The Professional and Blue have a 2 year warranty. The biggest difference is that the Hightec boards have a very nice moulded integral polymer handle, which is unobtrusive and easy to keep clean. The Professional and Blue series have straps, which are more susceptible to breaking. The straps also are prone to hooking on things and aren’t as user friendly as the polymer handles. The Hightec series is available in 5 sizes.  The Hightec boards cost 10 to 15% more, but it’s a very worthwhile investment. In fact, we recommend you just get the Hightec boards as you truly will be much happier with them.

Hightec Rollbords

Models:

• Standard
  • Suitable for radiology, operating rooms, intensive care units and all special wards
  • Foldable
  • 70” x 20”
  • 9 lbs
• ICU-Bariatric
  • Suitable for Intensive Care (ICU) nursing services, on air and decubitus mattresses
  • Foldable reinforced
  • 70” x 20”
  • 3 lbs
• Surgiboard
  • Suitable for operating room, X-Ray, various wards (replaces aluminium rollers)
  • Non-foldable
  • 50” x 16”
  • 3 lbs
• Mini-GYN
  • Suitable for urology operating room, gynaecology operating theatres, wake-up stations and emergencies
  • Non-foldable
  • 36” x 20”
  • 3 lbs
• MRI/CT/AMBU
  • Suitable for transfer of injured patients on or from stretcher
  • Foldable
  • 70” x 16”
  • 5 lbs

Cost of Samarit Hightec Rollbords:

• Range from $650 to $1,350

Professional Rollbords

Models:

• Standard
  • Suitable for radiology, operating theatre, and all special wards
  • Foldable
  • 70” x 20”
  • 38 lbs
• MRI
  • Suitable for operating theatre, X-Ray, various wards (replaces aluminium rollers)
  • Foldable
  • 70” x 17”
  • 5 lbs
• Ambulance
  • Suitable for urology operating theatres, gynaecology operating theatres, wake-up stations and emergencies
  • Foldable
  • 47” x 17”
  • 6 lbs

Cost of Samarit Professional Rollbords:

• Range from $750 to $825

Blue Transfer Boards

Models:

• Blue Long Wide
  • Suitable for radiology, operating rooms, intensive care units and various wards
  • Foldable
  • 70” x 20”
  • 4 lbs
• Blue Short Narrow
  • Suitable for operating rooms, X-Ray, various wards (replaces aluminium rollers)
  • Non-foldable
  • 39” x 17”
  • 1 lbs
• Blue Long Narrow
  • Suitable for operating rooms, X-Ray, MRI scanners, Ambulance
  • Foldable
  • 70” x 17”
  • 6 lbs
• Blue Short Wide
  • Suitable for urology operating rooms, gynaecology operating theatres, wake-up stations and emergencies
  • Non-foldable
  • 32” x 20”
  • 1 lbs

Cost of Samarit Blue Transfer Boards:

• Range from $550 to $825

Accessories For Your Samarit Transfer Boards

Want to protect your Samarit Rollbord from dirt and blood?

You can spend a few more dollars and get disposable covers to help extend the life (and therefore value) of your Samarit purchase.

Now that you got the covers, why not get a cover dispenser to facilitate the placement and storage of the disposable covers?

Why Are Samarit Rollbords Considered The Best?

Samarit Rollbords are widely considered the best in the business for three main reasons:

1. Not only do they come with all those great standard features we mentioned earlier, but they also facilitate lateral transfers without any type of lifting, are noiseless, and provide the patient with a more comfortable surface than other transfer boards.
2. They get the job done quicker and easier than other transfer devices. Don’t believe us? Check out this independent study that uses a factual thing called science to determine peak forces!
3. Samarit Rollbords are less expensive than most other systems, including air-assisted devices.

How Can You Start Saving Money And Your Nurses’ Backs?

Well, you could start by taking inventory of what you currently have and what you need. Then, fill out the form below to get a customized quote from Meditek.

And hey! It’s beneficial if you buy in bulk as you’ll get a better price!