When using clinical equipment, remember to always clean between!
This week is International Infection Prevention Week, and for our clinicians who use different types of clinical equipment every day, it offers a timely reminder to ensure these remain clean and safe to use for our colleagues and for our patients. Read the FAQs on cleaning clinical equipment below.
What is considered clinical equipment?
Clinical equipment includes:
- equipment that is in contact with intact skin; and
- equipment in the patient area that does not have physical contact with the patient.
This includes, observation machines, saturation probes, stethoscopes, IV pumps and ventilators, WOWs, computers, keyboards and team member portable phones.
Why should clinical equipment be cleaned?
When clinical equipment is used, dust, soil, bacteria and viruses can collect on the surface of the equipment and become a risk for transmitting infections.
If the equipment is not cleaned after every use, these infectious microorganisms can be transferred to patients and cause sickness. By cleaning clinical equipment after use, it removes any dust, soil, bacteria and viruses present on the equipment, reducing the risk of illness spreading.
When should clinical equipment be cleaned?
Like our hand hygiene practices (before and after, every time) clinical equipment should be cleaned:
- Before and after contact with our patients
- Before and after procedures
- Before and after touching equipment
- Between patients
How should clinical equipment be cleaned?
Clinical equipment must be cleaned using Clinell Universal wipes, ensuring all parts of the equipment are cleaned.
Equipment cleaned with Clinell Universal wipes must be wiped over weekly with a water dampened disposable microfibre cloth to remove chemical residue. For more information, see the Clinical Equipment Cleaning Procedure on PROMPT.
How is clinical equipment cleaning assessed?
Clinical equipment cleaning is assessed visually and by auditing using fluorescent markers.
- Visual inspection identifies obvious dust, soiling or tape residue on equipment.
- Fluorescent marking assessment involves the application of fluorescent markers onto clinical equipment, and 24 hrs later the equipment will be reviewed to see if cleaning has occurred. If cleaning has occurred there won’t be any marker visible when a UV light is used on the equipment.
This week is International Infection Prevention Week, which allows us to recognise the important role of infection prevention professionals globally. This article is part of a series of spotlights on key infection prevention topics to remind you about the importance of maintaining safe infection prevention practices in your everyday roles and responsibilities. Keep an eye out for the next spotlight on occupational exposures!
Approved by Professor Rhonda Stuart.