Blood pressure cuffs are not listed as critical items.Recent research shows that they are key in the spread of MRSA in hospitals.The proper cleaning of the cuffs makes sure that there is no spread of dangerousbacteria between patients.The majority of blood pressure cuffs are made of two parts.The fabric or vinyl cuff can be cleaned using the same methods as the other one.There is a rubber tubing connected to a small inflated bladder in the cuff and it should be removed and disinfected separately.Disinfectants should be used after every use.
Step 1: Put gloves on.
Gloves will protect you from blood and other bodily fluids.If you don't have gloves, wash your hands with warm water and soap.Hand washing is the best way to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Examine the entire cuff to see if there are stains or bodily fluids.
Make sure you check the tubing as well.If you are not wearing gloves, be careful not to touch the stain that you see as you inspect the cuff.The harmfulbacteria can still linger on the cuff even though it doesn't have visible stains.
Step 3: The tubing is in the cuff.
You can remove the tubing by undoing the strap or unbuttoning the side pocket.If it doesn't seem like the tubing can be removed, check the manufacturer's guidelines and clean according to their specifications.Water should not enter the tubing or inflated pump during the cleaning.As you handle it around water, be careful.If you make sure the cuff is completely dry before you reinsert it, it can be washed completely.
Step 4: It's a good idea to soak the cuffs.
Put the cuff in a bucket with warm, soapy water if you can't immediately wash it.If there are stains on the cuff, it will prevent them from spreading.Don't soak the tubing.You should put it in a sterile bag.It is appropriate for the end of a personal cuff.In a clinic or hospital setting, when the cuff must be used quickly, using a disposable disinfecting wipe is appropriate.This takes a few minutes and is described later in the article.
Step 5: Liquid detergent can be put on a brush or sponge.
An unused toothbrush is good for this.Under the water, use the soapy brush or sponge.If you use a sponge, squeeze out the excess water.You can use a folded paper towel if you are in a pinch.
Step 6: Completely scrub both sides of the cuff and tubing.
Make sure that no water enters the tubing by wiping it down with a brush or sponge.If there are stains, use a toothbrush or scrub brush.Dirt and germs can linger in the velcro, so make sure to thoroughly clean it.You don't have to be gentle as you clean.A cleaner cuff is guaranteed by aggressive scrubbing.
Step 7: Run warm water and rinse the cuff and tubing.
No water can enter the tubing.The tube can be plugged with a paper towel.You can rinse the cuff completely.After rinsing, wash the tubing and cuff with a clean towel.
Step 8: Rub alcohol on both sides of the cuff.
The tubing and bulb should be sprayed as well.After spraying, the cuff should appear wet.If you want to kill all thebacteria, leave the alcohol or Disinfectant to sit for ten minutes.You can mix it up.Put 5 liters of bleach into a bottle with 2 cups of water.The mixture should be sprayed onto the cuff and tubing.
Step 9: The tubing and cuff should be dry before use.
The cuffs should hang on a clothesline that suspends them without touching other materials.Before re-use, the outer and inner cuff should be completely dry.You can reinsert the tubing once it is dry.
Step 10: Determine if your cuff is machine washed.
If the manufacturer's guidelines are found, consult the box or cuff.Special machine washers can be found in some hospitals.It is possible to wash yours in a laundry machine at home.If the manufacturer advises against it, don't machine wash it.Don't put the tubing in the washing machine.The tubing and inflated pump have to be washed.You can clean the tubing with rubbing alcohol and warm soapy water.It is important that there is no water in the tubing.
Step 11: Add a mild detergent to the machine.
The laundry soap you choose will remove stains and fluids.In the same load, you can wash multiple cuffs.
Step 12: The machine should be set to a gentle cycle.
Cold water should be used for vinyl.For the load, choose a high or medium water level.The water will remove stains without damaging the cuffs.Don't use hot water.The material could be damaged by hot water.
Step 13: Put cuffs in a dry place.
Hang the cuffs on a clothesline.Before use, make sure the outer and inner cuff are completely dry.Don't put cuffs in the dryer.Before reinserting the tubing, make sure the cuff is completely dry.It might be necessary to dry it overnight.
Step 14: Rub alcohol or a bleach solution on the face.
Rub alcohol or a bleach solution on the cuffs before you use them again.Allow them to sit for between ten and twenty minutes.The washing process may have killed any remaining germs.
Step 15: To clean the cuff, use wipes.
Purchase disposable wipes that have already been treated with germicidal chemicals.It's a quick way to get rid of the cuff and components without having to disassemble the entire apparatus.You only need to wait up to three minutes after cleaning the cuff to use it again, if the EPA-approved products have a contact time of 1 to 3 minutes.If you are in a hospital, clinic, or somewhere with a high volume of patients, this may be the most practical method of sterilizing a blood pressure cuff.
Step 16: There are disposable cuffs.
Some hospitals have tried disposable cuffs, which are either thrown out after a single use or remain with each patient and are thrown away at the end of the patient's stay.The need to clean equipment between patients can be eliminated with disposable cuffs.Some hospitals don't have a budget for these items.
Step 17: To prevent contact with the patient's skin, use a disposable sleeve
Using a disposable sleeve that slides on the patient's arm may help prevent the spread ofbacteria, as this prevents the cuff from coming into contact with the patients skin.Simply fit the cuff around the sleeve and slide the single-use barrier onto the patient's limb.This is a less expensive option than disposable blood pressure cuffs.