Kidney dishes, gallipots and bowls are the stainless steel “hollowware” found in every clinic, ward and theatre. They hold instruments, fluids, swabs and waste. Because they are used so often, durable, easy-to-clean hollowware saves money and time.
In short
Choose stainless steel hollowware with smooth, seamless surfaces and rolled edges, in the sizes your team actually uses. Reusable steel is durable, easy to clean and can be sterilized repeatedly.
Common items#
| Item | Typical use | Common sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney dishes | Holding instruments, dressings, waste, emesis | About 15 to 30 cm long |
| Gallipots | Small amounts of antiseptic or saline | Small cups, often 60 to 200 ml |
| Lotion and sponge bowls | Irrigation fluids, swabs | Larger bowls, often 500 ml to several litres |
| Instrument trays | Laying out and carrying instruments | Many sizes, with or without lids |
| Receivers and basins | Washing, irrigation, collecting fluids | Larger sizes |
Why kidney dishes are shaped that way#
The kidney shape fits against the body, for example under a patient’s chin or against a limb, so fluids and waste are caught without spilling. It also holds instruments neatly on a trolley.
What to look for#
Quality checklist
- Seamless, one-piece construction with no joins where fluids can collect.
- Smooth, rolled edges that are comfortable to hold and do not cut gloves.
- A finish that is easy to clean: mirror or satin.
- Graduation marks on bowls and jugs if you measure fluids.
- Stackable shapes to save storage space.
Stainless steel or disposable?#
Disposable plastic and pulp items are convenient for isolation and some outpatient uses. Stainless steel hollowware lasts for years, can be autoclaved, and avoids constant repurchasing and waste. Many facilities use both.
Frequently asked questions#
Can kidney dishes be autoclaved?#
Stainless steel kidney dishes and bowls can be cleaned and steam sterilized like other stainless steel items.
What is a gallipot used for?#
A gallipot is a small pot for antiseptic solution or saline during procedures such as skin preparation, dressings and minor surgery.
Which sizes should a clinic stock?#
Most clinics use medium kidney dishes (around 20 to 25 cm) and small gallipots most often, plus a few larger bowls.
Order kidney dishes and hollowware from Gami Surgical#
Gami Surgical supplies stainless steel kidney dishes, gallipots, bowls and trays from Sialkot, Pakistan, with delivery worldwide. Send us the items, sizes and quantities you need for a quote.
