Skip to content
English - Australia
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Cleaning and infection control for virtual care equipment

The rules that apply to every device, and where to find the detail for yours

What this is: the core cleaning and infection control rules for Visionflex virtual care equipment, with a quick reference for every device.

Who it's for: nurses, clinical staff, infection prevention leads and anyone who looks after virtual care equipment.

Clean every device that touches a patient after each patient, and every shared surface after each session. Cleaning removes visible soil. Disinfecting kills most of the microorganisms left behind. You need both, in that order.

The manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) are the final word on cleaning each device. Where this article and the IFU differ, follow the IFU. Your organisation's infection prevention policy applies on top of both.

Know the risk level of each device

The risk level decides how thoroughly a device must be cleaned. Australian guidance uses the Spaulding classification, set out in the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare.

Risk level What it touches Minimum after each use Visionflex devices
Non-critical Intact skin, or no patient contact Clean, then low or intermediate level disinfection Carts, tablets, battery, glasses and transmitter, stethoscope, ECGs, blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, thermometers, glucose meter, ultrasound on intact skin
Semi-critical Mucous membranes or broken skin New single-use barrier, then clean and disinfect the device per its IFU Intraoral dental camera, otoscope, GEIS camera with tongue depressor adapter, ultrasound on wounds or broken skin
Critical Sterile tissue or the bloodstream Sterile and single use Lancets only. No Visionflex device is used this way

No Visionflex ultrasound probe is approved for internal use. Never use a probe inside the body.

Rules for every device

  • Clean your hands before and after each patient, and after cleaning equipment.
  • Power off and disconnect from power and the computer before cleaning.
  • Use the cleaning agent the device's IFU approves. Most devices accept Clinell Universal Wipes or 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes. Some do not. The A&D blood pressure monitor must never be cleaned with alcohol.
  • Wipe, never spray, soak or submerge. Cloths should be damp, not wet.
  • Keep liquid out of ports, connectors, lenses, seams and test strip slots.
  • Leave the surface wet for the wipe's stated contact time, then let it air dry fully before reconnecting.
  • Never autoclave, irradiate or use ethylene oxide on any Visionflex device.
  • Use single-use items once only: specula, dental sheaths, probe covers, Derma Hood Caps, tongue depressors, ECG electrodes and lancets.
  • Inspect for cracks, damaged cables and worn seals before each use. Cracks trap microorganisms and can't be disinfected, so take a damaged device out of use.

Products not to use

Don't use chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, abrasive pads, acetone, benzene, thinners or other solvents on any Visionflex device unless that device's IFU approves them. They damage plastics, seals, labels and lenses. The 3-wire ECG is the one exception: its manufacturer allows a 1:10 bleach solution.

If your policy requires a chlorine or peroxide product, for example during an outbreak, contact Visionflex support first. We'll confirm what each device tolerates and suggest a compatible option.

Quick reference: what to clean each device with

Device Clean with Never use
Carts, ProEX Mobile tablet, glasses, transmitter and receiver, GEIS camera Clinell Universal Wipe or 70% IPA Bleach, peroxide, sprays
Power Cell battery Dry cloth only Any liquid
Otoscope, intraoral dental camera New speculum or sheath every patient, then the wipe in the IFU Immersion, liquid on the lens
Ultrasound probes Remove gel, then an ultrasound-approved wipe listed in the IFU Alcohol, bleach or solvents on the lens unless the IFU allows
Digital stethoscope Damp cloth, alcohol or sanitising wipe Immersion, abrasives
12-lead ECG Damp cloth with mild detergent, or the wipe in the IFU Immersion, solvents
3-wire ECG 75% IPA on gauze, or 1:10 bleach Immersion, spray, steam
A&D blood pressure monitor and cuff Dry cloth, or water with neutral detergent Alcohol, benzene, thinners
Pulse oximeter 70% IPA or 70% ethanol Spray, immersion, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde
Ear and forehead thermometers 70% IPA on the casing. Dry cloth or cotton bud on the sensor Liquid on the sensor, immersion
Blood glucose meter The wipe in the Australian IFU Spray, moisture in the strip slot

Remote and low-resource sites

  • Stock a wipe the IFUs approve that you can reliably resupply locally. Pre-saturated wipes give more consistent results than a cloth and liquid.
  • In heat and humidity, keep devices and consumables in the closed drawer or a sealed container, out of direct sun. Close wipe packs after each use so they don't dry out.
  • Hold at least two weeks of single-use consumables on site, and more where freight is slow.

Device-by-device guides

Need help? Visit visionflex.com/support | email support@visionflex.com | call +61 2 8914 4000 (9am to 5pm AEST)

This is general guidance, not legal, clinical or financial advice. Always work within your scope of practice and your organisation's policies. Confirm your privacy and other legal obligations under the Privacy Act and current legislation, and seek professional advice for specific clinical, financial or medico-legal questions.

Visionflex acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.