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Device Cleaning and Infection Control in Aerosol Therapy
1Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. comalley@luriechildrens.org.
Respiratory Care
|June 14, 2015
Summary
Infection prevention for aerosol devices requires consistent cleaning and disinfection protocols. Standardizing care for nebulizers and spacers is crucial for patient safety and effective inhaled medication delivery.
Area of Science:
- Medical device infection prevention and control
- Respiratory therapy and aerosol drug delivery
Background:
- Aerosol delivery equipment, including nebulizers and valved holding chambers (spacers), are semi-critical medical devices.
- Current infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines recommend cleaning, disinfection, sterile water rinsing, and air-drying for these devices.
- Confusion exists due to inconsistent IPC guidelines, lack of standardized practices among healthcare professionals, and conflicting manufacturer instructions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the inconsistencies and challenges in the current care practices for aerosol delivery devices.
- To emphasize the need for a standardized approach to infection prevention and control for these devices.
- To review updated recommendations for the care of disposable and reusable nebulizers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines for aerosol delivery devices.
- Analysis of recommendations from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and Association for Professionals in Infection Control.
- Examination of specific care instructions for both disposable and reusable nebulizers.
Main Results:
- Reusable nebulizers require thorough cleaning, disinfection, sterile water rinsing, and air-drying between uses.
- Disposable nebulizers necessitate wiping the mouthpiece/mask with an alcohol pad, rinsing with sterile water, and replacement every 24 hours.
- Significant challenges persist in achieving widespread awareness and adherence to IPC guidelines among all stakeholders.
Conclusions:
- A standardized protocol for the care of aerosol delivery devices is essential for ensuring patient safety.
- Respiratory therapists (RTs) play a vital role in educating patients and implementing safe aerosol therapy practices.
- Collaboration among manufacturers, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies is necessary to establish a unified standard of care.
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