5.9Used Medical Equipment/Device Receipt, Cleaning, Labeling and Availability for Patient/Client Use
| Effective Date: | Last Date Revised: |
The Company has a process for receiving new clean items and for separating those clean items from dirty or contaminated items, which adheres to proper infection control practices. The organization maintains a process for receiving and cleaning/disinfecting used dirty or contaminated equipment and devices by standard infection control practices and the equipment/device manufacturer’s guidelines or requirements. All items in the facility are kept in clearly marked locations that prevent the contamination of clean items by dirty/contaminated items.
Necessary cleaning methods used for equipment are appropriate, safe, and efficient. When used equipment is returned to the organization, it is thoroughly cleaned (with staff using appropriate PPE) to render it free of pathogens and to prevent cross-contamination with clean equipment.
Employees responsible for sanitizing and cleaning equipment are properly trained in infection control practices and guidelines and:
- Are thoroughly knowledgeable of the cleaning methodology specified by the manufacturer, state regulations, standard infection control guidelines, and organizational policy for all equipment/devices handled.
- Are aware of the hazards associated with the use of the cleaning/disinfecting or de-germing agents, including inhalation of vapors and dermatologic contact.
- Use readily available personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately to clean and decontaminate returned equipment or devices
- Comply with all policies for cleaning and tagging equipment.
- The organization has a system that is used consistently that identifies all clean, patient-ready equipment through the use of documentation, paper or electronic logs, tags, etc., that show at least the date that a used item was cleaned/decontaminated and that clearly indicates when the item/device is clean and patient ready.
- Clean or disinfect equipment that minimizes splashing, spraying, or creating droplets that might transfer blood or other potentially infectious materials from the equipment to themselves.
- Are aware of remedies to pursue in the event of an inadvertent self-contamination.
Equipment that is heavily soiled or contaminated may be pre-washed if a disinfectant may not penetrate thick deposits of blood or other potentially infectious materials.
All equipment is processed following the manufacturer’s guidelines using the type of germicidal cleaner recommended.
The organization only uses disinfectant products that meet industry standards (e.g., a hospital-grade germicidal cleaner that is effective against tuberculosis spores, AIDS, and Hepatitis B viruses), those recommended by the item/device manufacturer or those that meet state and local requirements for cleaning and/or mattress sanitization (when applicable)
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available on-site for all chemicals or products used for cleaning and repair in the office, retail area, warehouse, and vehicles.
Following is the approach for cleaning home medical equipment:
- Place the item returned from the field in the organization’s designated cleaning area
- Wash hands following the approved hand-washing procedure.
- Don vinyl, latex, re-usable or disposable gloves.
- Use additional personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed. Masks, face shields/goggles, and gowns should be worn if the equipment is visibly contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials and there is a risk for splatter.
- Clean all surfaces with the required germicidal/virucidal disinfectant and cloth or paper towels until it is determined that the equipment is completely free of soil, filth, and stains.
- Remove any internal or external filters and clean or replace them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and/or organizational policy.
- Process or dispose of used towels, gloves, and other PPE appropriately.
- Dry equipment completely as needed before assembly per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Once the equipment is clean and dry, move equipment from the dirty/cleaning area to the clean area or to the equipment checking area when needed. Perform function checks according to manufacturer’s guidelines and/or organizational policy as required.
- All items are documented, whether on a tag, in a log book, a computer, or other means that show the date and the staff member who has performed the evaluation that the item is clean and ready for patient use
- Document functional checks performed (as needed).
- Cover and protect equipment with a plastic bag, or store it in a non-traffic area protected from dust and dirt. Use sealed packages for respiratory equipment.
- Wash hands with soap and running water per an approved hand-washing policy.
State-Specific Regulations
- Arkansas: Cleaning and disinfectant solutions must be bactericidal, tuberculocidal, and viricidal.
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