HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE SECTION: 2-9
Respiratory: Cleaning and Disinfection of Respiratory Therapy Equipment __RN __HHA
PURPOSE: PROCEDURE:
To prevent and minimize bacterial growth in respiratory
therapy equipment.
1. Adhere to UniversalPrecautions.
2. Remove all washable parts of equipment and
disassemble.
CONSIDERATIONS: 3. Wash equipment in liquid dish detergent and hot
1. If not cleaned properly, respiratory therapy
water, scrubbing gently with a nylon brush. Scrub
equipment provides an excellent reservoir for
thoroughly to remove mucus, secretions,
growth of pathogenic organisms that can be
medications, and foreign material.
introduced to the patient via the airway. 4. Rinse equipment thoroughly, making sure all
2. Scrupulous attention should be given to all parts of
detergent is removed.
the equipment. (Example: exterior, tubing,
reservoirs, etc.)
5. Soak equipment in disinfecting agent (see Section
14. Appendix A) or other disinfecting agent
3. Equipment should be rinsed in warm running water
recommended by equipment manufacturer.
after each treatment and disinfected daily. 6. Air dry equipment by:
4. Two complete sets of washable equipment should
a. Shaking or swinging excess water out of tubing
be on hand so that a clean, dry set is available if
and hard to dry areas.
needed.
b. Hanging tubing to allow to drip-dry completely.
5. Do not use hair dryers and blowers to dry
equipment, let equipment air-dry.
c. Placing remaining equipment on clean paper
towels and covering with paper towels.
6. All equipment should be kept in a clean, dry, dustfree
area.
7. Discard solution according to manufacturer's
instructions.
8. Wipe down all surfaces of machines with a clean
EQUIPMENT:
cloth daily.
Liquid dish detergent
9. Store unused equipment in plastic bag.
Nylon brush
Clean, dry towel or paper towels
Disinfecting agent
Basin
AFTER CARE:
1. Document in patient's record:
a. Instructions given to patient/caregiver.
b. Patient/caregiver understanding and return
Plastic bag, if equipment is to be stored
demonstration.
Gloves
c. Condition of equipment after cleaning.
Personal protective equipment as needed
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