Comments on: Cleanliness Is Next to Healthiness

By: Susan Huls

Susan Huls — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:47:07 +0000

Hi Linda,
Thanks for your note!
I’ll be sure to pass it along to Kerrie.
Susan Huls
Discover blog editor

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:11:14 +0000

I like Daisy’s comments, she is thinking of what would be fast and effective. It does open the question of how patient room cleaning of equipment would be accomplished. Would there be two teams, Environmental Services and an additionally trained team for equipment? I ask the question based on a single piece of equipment such as oximmetry equipment. Here is a cleaning detail.
Cleaning oximetry equipment is just as important as proper use. For surface-cleaning and disinfecting the oximeter and reusable SpO2 sensors we recommend the following procedures:

•Turn off the oximeter before cleaning
•Wipe exposed surfaces with a soft cloth or a pad moistened with a mild detergent solution or medical alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol solution)
•Clean your oximeter whenever you see any type of soil, dirt or obstruction in it
•Clean the inside of the elastic thimble and the two optical elements inside with a cotton swab or equivalent moistened with a mild detergent solution or medical alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol solution)
•Ensure that no dirt or blood is on the optical components inside the elastic thimble
•SpO2 Sensors can be cleaned and disinfected with same solutions. Let the sensor dry before using it again. The rubber inside of the SpO2 sensor belongs to medical rubber, which has no toxin and no harmful to the skin of human being
•Replace the batteries timely when battery indication is low. Please follow the law of the local government to deal with used battery
•Remove the batteries inside the battery cassette if the Oximeter will not be operated for a long time
•It is recommended that the oximeter should be kept in a dry environment anytime. A wet ambient might affect its lifetime and even might damage the oximeter
•Caution: Do not spray, pour, or spill any liquid on the oximeters, their accessories, switches or openings.
It seems more detailed than a “wipe down” depending on the equipment.
It would be great if there are Biomed folks out there who could add to the discussion.

By: San Diego Office Furniture

San Diego Office Furniture — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:56:53 +0000

Another method for cleaning equipment in situ (which is implemented in some operating rooms) is the use of high intensity biocidal UVC lamps. They kill surface pathogens as well as those that are airborne. Plus, they don’t leave any residue the way aerosol sprays and other cleaning agents do. Of course, the unshielded UVC lamps can cause eye irritation. This means they can’t be used when people are in a room (which would be a problem in a hospital with close to maxed out occupancy). However, they are highly effective – especially when coupled with UV lamps in the HVAC system that sterilize the air and help prevent airborne cross contamination.

Daisy McCarty
http://www.sandiegocubicles.com/blog/

By: bradp

bradp — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:37:55 +0000

Great article! really opened my eyes.

brad
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http://www.thelatestmobile.co.uk