Ready to Open an Urgent Care Clinic? Here’s the Full Medical Supply Checklist You’ll Need

Opening an urgent care clinic is an exciting and rewarding venture—but stocking it with the right medical supplies and equipment can feel overwhelming.

Whether you're launching a solo practice or expanding into multiple locations, this guide outlines all the essential medical supplies needed to open an urgent care, including exam room equipment, lab testing kits, PPE, and wound care materials. Best of all, we’ll show you where to find everything in bulk with no contracts.

 

Top Reasons Patients Visit Urgent Care Clinics

Stocking your clinic with the right supplies begins with knowing why patients walk through your doors. Urgent care centers treat a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions that still require timely medical attention.

🔟 The Most Common Reasons for Urgent Care Visits:

  1. Upper Respiratory Infections
    Colds, flu, sinus infections, sore throat, and coughs
    (Use: flu tests, strep kits, thermometers, rapid COVID tests)

  2. Ear Infections and Ear Pain
    Common in both adults and children
    (Use: otoscope, antibiotics, ear irrigation supplies)

  3. Minor Cuts, Lacerations, and Wounds
    Often needing stitches or glue
    (Use: suture kits, laceration trays, gauze, lidocaine, dermabond)

  4. Sprains, Strains, and Joint Pain
    Sports injuries and slips are frequent
    (Use: braces, splints, crutches, instant cold packs)

  5. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
    Especially in women
    (Use: urinalysis dipsticks, specimen cups, antibiotics)

  6. Skin Infections and Abscesses
    Such as boils, cellulitis, or infected cuts
    (Use: I&D kits, packing strips, antiseptics, antibiotics)

  7. Rashes and Allergic Reactions
    Including contact dermatitis or hives
    (Use: diphenhydramine, steroid creams, antihistamines)

  8. Fever or Flu-Like Symptoms
    Often tied to viral illness or strep
    (Use: thermometer, flu and strep tests, hydration care)

  9. Eye Irritations or Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
    (Use: eye wash kits, fluorescein strips, antibiotic drops)

  10. Nausea, Vomiting, or Dehydration
    Often requiring rehydration or antiemetics
    (Use: Zofran, IV fluids, electrolyte solutions)

Why it matters:
Knowing the most common visit reasons ensures you stock the right diagnostic tools, medications, and procedure kits—and sets your clinic up for higher patient satisfaction, faster service, and better outcomes.

🏥 Core Areas to Stock for Your Urgent Care Startup

🛏️ 1. Exam Room Equipment

  • Exam Tables (with stirrups if pelvic exams are offered)
  • Disposable Exam Table Paper (21” x 125’ rolls)
  • Rolling provider stools
  • Privacy Curtains or Dividers
  • Digital Weight Scale with BMI Functionality (500–600 lb capacity)
  • Stadiometer (Wall-mounted or portable height measurement)
  • Wall-Mounted Diagnostic Set | Otoscope/Ophthalmoscope/Aneroid sphygmomanometer Wall Set (Welch Allyn-style)
  • Digital Thermometers, Infrared Forehead Thermometers + Probe Covers
  • Pulse Oximeters
  • Blood Pressure Cuffs (manual and automatic; adult, large adult, and pediatric)
  • Digital Vital Signs Monitors (BP, SpO₂, HR, Temp)
  • Penlights
  • Disposable Patient Gowns and Drape Sheets
  • Nitrile Gloves – Powder-Free, Non-Sterile (Small, Medium, Large, X-Large)
  • Sharps Containers (5 qt and 2 gal sizes)
  • Red Biohazard Trash Cans + Waste Bags (10–15 gallon)
  • Wall Clocks for time-of-visit tracking

🧪 2. Lab & CLIA-Waived Testing Supplies

(CLIA-waived point-of-care testing kits and accessories)

Rapid Test Kits:

  • COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits (FDA EUA approved)
  • Influenza A & B Combo Test Kits
  • Strep A Rapid Test Kits
  • RSV Rapid Antigen Test Kits
  • Mono Test Kits
  • H. pylori Stool Antigen or Breath Test (if offered)
  • Pregnancy (hCG) Urine Test Strips
  • Urinalysis Reagent Strips/Dipsticks (10-parameter or 12-parameter)
  • Fecal Occult Blood Test Kits (guaiac cards + developer)

Blood Collection & Analysis:

  • Glucometers (FreeStyle, Accu-Chek, or similar)
  • Blood Glucose Test Strips
  • Lancets: 28g and 30g (single-use)
  • Microtainer Capillary Tubes
  • Butterfly Needles: 23g x ¾" and 21g x ¾"
  • Vacutainer Needles: 21g and 22g
  • Collection Tubes: Red, Tiger-top (SST), Lavender, Blue
  • Alcohol Prep Pads – Medium Sterile
  • Specimen Cups – 4 oz sterile with screw caps
  • Tourniquets – Latex-free, single-use
  • Specimen Transport Bags – Biohazard-labeled
  • Centrifuge (if in-house testing offered)

Other Diagnostics:

  • EKG Machine (with lead wires + paper refills)
  • Nebulizer Machines + Adult/Pediatric Masks
  • Vision Charts (Snellen, Pediatric LEA Symbols)
  • Audiometers or Hearing Screening Tools (optional but recommended)
  • Urine Dipstick Readers (for automated analysis)

💉 3. Injection & Medication Supplies

Syringes w/ Needles (by size & use):

  • 1 mL w/ 25g x 5/8" (SubQ injections)
  • 3 mL w/ 23g x 1" (IM injections)
  • 5 mL, 10 mL Luer-Lock (for IV meds, irrigation)
  • Tuberculin Syringes: 1 mL w/ 27g
  • Drawing Needles: 18g x 1½"
  • Needles Only: 21g, 23g, 25g in 1" and 1½"

Injection Supplies:

  • IV Start Kits
  • IV Catheters: 20g, 22g
  • Normal Saline 0.9% Flush Syringes – 10 mL
  • Alcohol Pads, Band-Aids, Gauze Squares
  • Emergency Medications:
    • Epinephrine 1:1000 (vials or auto-injector)
    • Albuterol (nebulized)
    • Diphenhydramine (injectable and oral)
    • Ondansetron (Zofran)
    • Methylprednisolone
  • CDC-compliant Vaccine Refrigerator/Freezer
  • Sharps Bins for medication areas

🩹 4. Wound Care & Minor Procedure Supplies

  • Gauze Sponges:
    • 2” x 2” (non-sterile, 8-ply for cleaning)
    • 4” x 4” (sterile, 12-ply for wound care)
  • ABD Pads: 5” x 9” and 8” x 10”
  • Non-Adherent Pads (Telfa): 2” x 3”, 3” x 4” 
  • Adhesive Bandages: Assorted sizes, including XL
  • Paper and Cloth Tape: 1" and 2", Transparent
  • Steri-Strips: ¼” x 3”
  • Transparent Film (Tegaderm): 2.5” x 2.75” and 4” x 4.75”
  • Rolled Gauze: 2", 3", and 4"
  • Wound Irrigation: 60 mL syringe with splash guard
  • Wound Wash Saline - 120 mL Bottles
  • Laceration Trays
  • Suture Kits: 3-0 Nylon, 4-0 Prolene
  • Lidocaine 1% or 2% (with and without epinephrine)
  • Burn Dressings: Hydrogel sheets, BurnFree, or similar
  • Antiseptics: Povidone-Iodine, Chlorhexidine 2%
  • Suture Kits:
    • 3-0 Nylon, 4-0 Prolene, curved needles
    • Needle driver, forceps, scissors
  • Laceration Trays (pre-assembled sterile)
  • Lidocaine 1% and 2% (w/ and w/o epinephrine)
  • Skin Adhesive (e.g., Dermabond)

🦴 5. Orthopedic & Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

  • Splints:
    • Finger splints (aluminum foam)
    • Wrist & forearm splints
    • Ankle stirrups (universal size)
  • Braces: Knee, wrist, ankle, lumbar support (Sizes: S-XL)
  • Walking Boots: Low and high top (Sizes: Small-XL)
  • Crutches: Adult and Youth (adjustable)
  • Cold Packs: Instant chemical packs, 6” x 9”
  • Slings and shoulder immobilizers
  • Elastic Bandages: 2", 3", 4", and 6"
  • SAM Splints (malleable, rollable)
  • Casting Tape & Padding (if casting in-house)

😷 6. PPE & Infection Control Supplies

  • Nitrile Gloves: Small – XL
  • Surgical Masks + ASTM Level 3 Masks
  • N95 Respirators (fit tested)
  • Face Shields and Goggles
  • Isolation Gowns (disposable, fluid-resistant)
  • Shoe Covers
  • EPA-Approved Disinfectant Wipes (e.g., CaviWipes, Sani-Cloth)
  • Hand Sanitizer (62% alcohol or higher)
  • Touchless Thermometers

🧾 7. Front Desk & Admin Supplies

  • Patient intake forms
  • Clipboards and pens
  • Label printers + patient ID labels
  • Exam room clocks 
  • Reception Desk Supplies (business cards, signage, tissue boxes)
  • Specimen transport bags
  • Hand soap
  • Air fresheners
  • Trash bins and liners (regular and biohazard)

🛠️ 8. Procedure Tools & Instruments

Urgent care centers frequently perform in-office procedures, such as wound repair, abscess I&D (incision and drainage), foreign body removal, toenail avulsion, and suture/staple removal. You’ll need high-quality reusable stainless steel instruments (if using an autoclave) or pre-sterilized disposable kits for convenience and safety.

🗂 Recommended Kits & Instrument Packs:

  • Laceration Repair Trays (Prepackaged, sterile):
    • Iris scissors
    • Adson forceps (with and without teeth)
    • Needle driver (5" or 6")
    • Gauze, drape, tray, scalpel, and syringe
  • Suture Removal Kits:
    • Littauer scissors
    • Thumb forceps
    • Gauze and antiseptic swabs
  • Incision & Drainage (I&D) Kits for abscesses:
    • #11 scalpel blade
    • Hemostat (curved or straight)
    • Gauze, drape, syringe, packing strip
  • Foreign Body Extraction Sets:
    • Splinter forceps
    • Fine-point tweezers
    • Magnifier or loupe (optional)
  • Nail Removal Trays (Partial or Total Avulsion):
    • Nail elevator
    • Nail splitter
    • Hemostat, scissors, and antiseptic swabs
  • Sterile Surgical Scalpels:
    • Size #10 and #11 blades
    • Handle #3 or disposable options
  • Sterile Stainless Steel Instruments (Reusable or Disposable):
    • Mayo scissors (curved, straight)
    • Mosquito forceps
    • Kelly clamps
    • Tissue forceps
    • Skin hooks
  • Disposable Procedure Drapes and Fenestrated Drapes
  • Sterile Gloves (by size)
  • Autoclave (if reusing instruments)
  • Sterilization Pouches and Indicators

🛒 Where to Buy Urgent Care Supplies in Bulk

Looking for a reliable medical supplier with no contracts or hidden fees?
MDSupplies offers a wide range of urgent care medical supplies—at wholesale prices—with fast shipping and no order minimums. Ideal for new clinics, community health startups, and urgent care expansions.

🏁 Set Your Clinic Up for Success

A well-stocked urgent care clinic builds trust, boosts efficiency, and allows your staff to focus on quality patient care. Bookmark this checklist and use it during your procurement phase to avoid delays or costly oversights.

Ready to start ordering? Shop urgent care startup supplies now »

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