| Respiratory
Therapy Equipment Guidelines |
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Introduction
Published reports have documented the role of respiratory equipment
as an important source of cross infection with microorganisms causing
respiratory diseases. Nebulizers have been shown to be capable of
generating aerosols containing large numbers of visible bacteria.
Nebulizers generate particles of a size which can penetrate to the
lower respiratory tract; therefore contaminated nebulizers are more
dangerous potential disseminators of pulmonary infection than are
humidifiers or heat and moisture exchange devices. The initial source
of bacterial contamination may be solutions or medications contaminated
before nebulization.
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Procedures
Reduce Contamination of Equipment
Make every effort to eliminate the sources of contamination
in equipment, accessories and solutions. Some policy measures include:
the use of sterile medications, single-dose vials, discarding unused
portions of sterile or deionized water daily, rinsing and drying
medication nebulizers after each use, replacing heat-moisture exchangers every
24 hours, replacing in-use nebulizers, IPPB tubing and filters every 48 hours,
replacing oxygen hoods and in-line suction catheters every 7 days or when gross
soiling is apparent, and replaing ventilator circuits every 14 days or when gross
soiling is apparent.
Clean Respiratory Therapy Equipment
Instruct personnel responsible for cleaning the equipment in proper
handling necessary to reduce the risk of infection and to reduce
contamination of the cleaning area. Follow manufacturers recommendations,
and thoroughly wash and rinse equipment prior to sterilization.
Clean and disinfect the exterior surfaces of large pieces of equipment
(ventilators, IPPB machines, end tidal CO2
monitors) between patients. Cover all equipment when not in use.
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