[Demand for cleanliness of anesthesia machines and apparatus]

(1) Outer surface of anesthesia machines and patient monitors, and breathing bags are exposed to the contaminated anesthetists' hands and fingers. Disinfection by wiping surface of anesthesia machines with alcohol, and disinfecting hands and fingers with rubbing-type, alcohol-based antiseptics are encouraged. (2) Anesthesia equipments' breathing circuit part is contaminated by patients' breath and respiratory secretions. It is necessary to set rules for exchange of breathing circuit tubes and breathing bags, periodical cleansing and disinfection of canisters as well as inhalation and exhalation valves, and usage of bacteria filters. (3) Anesthesia apparatus (laryngoscope, tracheal tube and suction tube) contact with patients' oral cavity and airway, and thus they are categorized as semi-critical items that require high-level disinfection.