Equipment Cleaning

PURPOSE

· To prevent the spread of infectious organisms

· To maintain clean equipment when providing patient care

RELATED PROCEDURE

· Applying Principles of Standard Precautions: General Guidelines

EQUIPMENT

1. Home health agency-approved disinfectants

2. Liquid soap and water

3. Antiseptic wipes

4. Utility gloves and an impermeable plastic trash bag (see Infection Control)

PROCEDURE

1. Don utility gloves to protect hands from disinfectants.

2. For initial clean up, wash all equipment with soap and water.

3. After washing equipment with soap and water, disinfect, rinse, and dry.

4. Disinfection methods in the home will vary. The item to be disinfected will primarily determine the disinfectant that is to be used. Bleach corrodes metal but is cited as an all-purpose disinfectant for blood and body substance spills.

5. Seal disposable supplies used to clean equipment in a leak-proof impermeable plastic trash bag separate from the family trash; secure and place in the family trash. Otherwise discard disposable items according to Standard Precautions.

Stethoscope

Routinely clean the bell/diaphragm of the stethoscope with a disinfectant spray, or, using a rotary motion, with an antiseptic wipe each visit.

Infant Scale

Wipe down the scale with a disinfectant between use and place a fresh disposable plastic sheath/pad underneath the infant each visit.

Glucose Meters

Follow specific manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning.

Thermometers

Use an antiseptic wipe to clean glass thermometers; otherwise follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Respiratory Therapy Equipment

Do not use bleach or caustic disinfectants on respiratory therapy equipment. Consult with the respiratory therapist or home medical equipment (HME) vendor regarding specific guidelines.

Soap and water are effective for cleaning equipment such as nasal cannulas, masks, tubing, the cap and mouthpiece of cartridge inhalers, humidifiers, and surfaces of most respiratory therapy equipment.

Home respiratory equipment may also be soaked in a white vinegar/water (1 cup: 3 cups) solution for 20 minutes, thoroughly rinsed with warm running water, and allowed to air dry. Cleaning should be done daily or at least 2 to 3 times per week. Cleaning of respiratory equipment is also recommended after each intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or aerosol treatment. After being cleaned, humidifiers should be refilled with fresh distilled water to prevent bacterial growth.

Other

Soiled bedpans and commodes should be cleaned with soap and water and then disinfected. Instruments may be boiled on the stove for 15 minutes in a clean pan or metal tray and then stored in the nursing bag.

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

Always read the label on the disinfectant and follow directions. Remember, disinfectants are designed for inanimate objects and may damage the skin; use with caution and instruct the family to store out of reach of children.

Use disinfectants in a well-ventilated room. If possible, totally submerge contaminated articles in the disinfecting solution for the required time-period.

If disinfection of contaminated equipment is not possible in the patient’s home, seal in an impermeable plastic trash bag and transport to the home health agency for disinfection. Never place soiled or contaminated equipment in the nursing bag.