4-3
Cleaning and Sterilizing
4
Flow Head
Prior to disinfection, remove the pressure tubing from the flow head. Clean
dirt debris and extraneous matter from the flow head by means of a soap
and water solution. This can be accomplished through hand washing, use
of a mechanical washer, or ultrasonic bath.
All cleaning solution must be rinsed from the flow head after washing. All
three pressure ports on the flow head should be flushed throughout with
compressed gas (at a flowrate between 10 and 15 L/min) for sixty seconds
each to ensure that the remaining solution is removed and that the ports
are dry. The flow head must be completely dry of water to visual
inspection. The recommended method is to use a properly filtered
equipment dryer for the manufacturer’s recommended time and
temperature. This is necessary for sterilization procedures to be effective.
The recommended method of disinfection is a pulsing pre-vacuum, post
vacuum steam sterilization cycle of 270°F (130°C) for four minutes. Proper
packaging (heat sealed paper, transparent pouches) must be done prior to
sterilization to prevent re-contamination of the flow head prior to use.
Heat sensitive tape and biological indicators are mandated to ensure
efficacy of the sterilization process.
The manufacturers recommended life of the flow head is 120 exposures to
a sterilization cycle or one year, whichever comes first.
Triple Lumen Tubing
Clean dirt, debris, and extraneous matter from the pressure tubing by
means of a soap and water solution. This can be accomplished through
hand washing, use of a mechanical washer, or ultrasonic bath. All cleaning
solution must be rinsed from the pressure tubing after washing. All three
pressure ports on the flow head should be flushed throughout with
compressed gas (at a flowrate between 10 and 15 L/min) for sixty seconds
each to ensure that the remaining solution is removed and that the ports
are dry. The flow head must be completely dry of water to visual
inspection. The recommended method is to use a properly filtered
equipment dryer for the manufacturer’s recommended time and
temperature. This is necessary for sterilization procedures to be effective.
The recommended method of sterilization is a pulsing pre-vacuum, post
vacuum steam sterilization cycle of 270°F (130°C) for four minutes. Proper
packaging (heat sealed paper, transparent pouches) must be completed
prior to sterilization to prevent re-contamination of the flow head prior to
use. Heat sensitive tape and biological indicators are mandated to ensure
efficacy of the sterilization process.