Anesthesia Machine Cleaning

Cleaning and maintaining anesthesia machines, equipment and monitors in the operating room is crucial for patient safety and equipment longevity. This is the Anesthesia Department protocol:

Daily Cleaning

• Turn off the machine and unplug it from the power source before cleaning.
• Wipe the exterior surfaces of the machine with a damp cloth and the disinfectant solution provided from the sluice room.
• Wipe all patient monitors and cables (ECG, pulse oximeter, BP cables and cuffs, temperature probe) with a damp cloth and the disinfectant solution provided from the sluice room.
• Clean the anesthesia machine touchscreen monitor using a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with the disinfectant solution provided from the sluice room. Do not allow liquid to enter the monitor.
• Replace the breathing circuit and replace the CO2 absorbent as per manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Submerge re-useable components like the laryngoscope blades, fiber-optic, glide-scope blades, airway adjuncts (OPA, NPA) and masks in the disinfectant solution provided from the sluice room for 2-5 minutes. (If in need of further disinfection, these components can be soaked for 10 minutes for low level disinfection (external patient contact) or 30minutes high level disinfection (exposure to bodily fluids) in the solution provided for in the central anesthesia office in communication with our anesthesia assistant). Use a brush to clean hard to reach areas and to remove any residual matter then rinse with clean water to remove any traces of the disinfectant. Allow components to air dry completely before re-assembly.
• Clean any used breathing circuits with clean water after soaking in the disinfectant solution provided from the sluice room for 30minutes. Hang to air dry.

Weekly Cleaning

• Remove the CO2 absorber canister and check for any leaks or damage. Replace if necessary.
• Inspect the machine for any loose or damaged parts. Tighten or replace as needed.
• Wipe the exterior surfaces of the machine with the disinfectant solution provided from the sluice room.

Monthly Maintenance

• Check the gas hoses and connections for leaks. Replace any damaged parts.
• Calibrate the gas flow meters and vaporizers according to the manufacturer’s instructions (In communication with the Bio-medical team.)
• Inspect the machine’s filters and replace them if necessary

Annual Maintenance (In communication with the Bio-medical team)

• Have the machine serviced by a qualified technician according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Replace any parts that are worn out or damaged.
• Perform a comprehensive check of the machine’s functions, including alarms and safety features.

Following this protocol can help ensure that anesthesia machines and monitors are clean, safe, and functioning properly for patient care.