Reusable Electrodes Can Transmit Fungi, Bacteria: Neotecnia

Q: What benefits do disposable electrodes offer compared to the alternative?

A: In Mexico and Latin America, reusable electrodes are widely used in electrocardiograms. These types of electrodes are prohibited in the US and many parts of the EU because no one knows the correct way to clean them, so fungal or bacterial infections can be transmitted from one patient to another. We analyzed some electrodes and found over 10 viruses, fungi and bacteria. This puts patients and health professionals at risk. 

The electrode is the product that gives life to a hospital and without it, no equipment in any hospital could operate. Our goal is to change the mindset of the people of Mexico to make them understand why they have to move away from reusable to disposable.

Q: How popular is the use of disposable electrodes in the Mexican market?

A: It depends on the study. In a resting electrocardiogram (ECG), reusable electrodes are often used but in other studies, such as Holter, or stress tests, disposable electrodes are necessary. Many, especially in the public sector, do not use them because they cannot afford them but private doctors are in a better position to finance these electrodes. 

Q: What other innovations is Neotecnia’s working on? 

A: We specialize in paper for medical use, including for electrocardiograms and ultrasounds. We also sell photographic paper. From selling paper, we expanded to sell other products to hospitals, such as supplies for electrocautery. We have even sold trays for restaurants in hospitals. 

People trust Neotecnia, which is why they have asked us for different products. For example, Teletón trusts us because it knows that we have the capabilities to deliver their orders quickly. We are always looking for new technologies or new products but are now focusing on electrodes. We might introduce new products into our portfolio next year. We are now present in the Dominican Republic and we are trading in Puerto Rico. Two months ago, we finally opened a bidding department so we will be able to work directly with Mexico’s public sector.

Q: How is Neotecnia different from its competitors? 

A: We have over 25 years of experience in the Mexican market. Neotecnia specializes in a handful of products, which allows us to respond to customers as fast as possible and to specialize our services. We sell what we sell because it works for people.

Neotecnica also has never been a company where people are held back. Our workforce is fundamental for Neotecnia to advance and we are proud of how the business has grown. The human element of our company must always be at the center of what we do, not only internally but also with our customers and suppliers.

Q: What were the main transformations that Neotecnia experienced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Many of our products are imported so distribution was difficult as costs skyrocketed. For example, a container that cost US$3,000 climbed to US$17,000. One of our containers was delayed for five months. We also faced a shortage of raw materials. Fortunately, clients understood that these challenges were caused by the pandemic. We also benefited from the distribution of highly-demanded products, such as gloves and face masks. During this period, half of the office worked remotely. We learned that whatever the circumstance, we will get through it.

Q: How does the company ensure the safe delivery of the products it commercializes through digital channels? 

A: Deliveries and logistics systems were difficult at first as we struggled to find a program to simplify deliveries that would print labels, rapidly generate tracking numbers and simultaneously connect with our own system. For this reason, five years ago, we started selling through our own online store. We also sell through Amazon and Mercado Libre. We are aware that our customers often need their product as soon as possible and these digital systems have helped us to meet their needs. 

Q: What goals does Neotecnia expect to achieve in 2023?

A: We expect to grow by at least 20 percent in 2023 because the sale of disposable electrodes has skyrocketed, particularly as there has been a shortage of other brands. Our electrodes are used in the main hospitals in Mexico. We want to enter the islands of the Caribbean and Central America, although that will not be easy because we would have to open a warehouse. Neotecnia aims to continue growing, building a strong team and reinforcing our telemarketing team. We are purchasing another transport unit to increase accessibility. We hope that we will do better as time goes by and hope that the exchange rate will allow us to do so. Our goal is continue growing and to continue being a strong company in the Mexican medical sector.

Neotecnia is a Mexican company that specializes in the commercialization of medical devices and consumables, such as electrodes and gels. The company is currently working to popularize the use of disposable electrodes.