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Beware dangers of excessive liquid cleansers on equipment

Device Regulation Alert: Safety, Compliance and Reimbursement News, November 12, 2007

Manufacturers should instruct device purchasers and users on the appropriate methods to use when cleaning and disinfecting electronic medical equipment. An October 31 Public Heath Notification from the FDA, CDC, EPA and OSHA warns about the hazards of using too much cleaning fluid on electronic equipment.

The notification is intended to "clarify current Federal regulations and guidances" issued by those agencies rather than change any current regulatory requirements. Cleaning and disinfecting equipment is an important infection control strategy, according to the notification. However, the notification explains that Federal agencies have found problems such as equipment fires, malfunctions and burns to health care workers linked to use of liquids on electronic equipment such as infusion pumps, ventilators, sequential compression device pumps and telemetry receivers and transmitters.

Manufacturers of regulated equipment must provide instructions for their use, according to the notification. The notification directs readers to consult and adhere to manufacturer's instructions, warnings and precautions about using, disinfecting and cleaning equipment. It also notes that some manufacturers even name appropriate disinfectants for equipment in addition when providing cleaning instructions.

The notification also frequently recommends interaction and consultation between users and device manufacturers to ensure proper cleaning. Among the advice given, the notification recommends users:

• consider which equipment could be affected by this notification: those with warnings or precautions about "wetting, immersing or soaking" the equipment
• train staff to follow manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions
• consult with manufacturer to discuss potential disinfection strategies that avoid wetting the equipment
• Finally, the notification provides resources for obtaining more information from the FDA, OSHA, CDC and EPA.

You can review the notification here

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