Cleaning vital signs and diagnostic devices

What this is: cleaning steps for the vital signs and diagnostic devices used with Visionflex virtual care.

Who it's for: clinical staff who take observations during consultations.

These devices touch intact skin, so a clean and low-level disinfection after each patient is enough. The cleaning agent differs between devices, and the blood pressure monitor must never be cleaned with alcohol. Check the device below before you clean. 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.

Digital Stethoscope, USB (RNK PCP-USB)

The chest piece doesn't need sterilising. Wipe it, including the diaphragm, with a damp cloth, alcohol or a sanitising wipe after each patient, taking care not to scratch the diaphragm. Remove the headphone ear tips, clean them with an alcohol wipe or soap and water, and dry them before refitting.

Never immerse the stethoscope. If liquid gets inside, don't power it on, and call Visionflex support.

Manuals: RNK PCP-USB user manual | Vision and TrueSteth user guide

BriteMed 12-Lead ECG Heart Monitor

Use new single-use electrodes for every patient. After each patient, wipe the patient cable, lead wires and clips with a damp cloth and mild detergent, unless the IFU names a different wipe. Hold the plug, not the leads, when you disconnect, and coil the cable loosely to store it.

Wipe the unit's housing weekly with a damp cloth, keeping liquid out of the connectors. Before you apply electrodes, make sure the skin is clean and dry, and shave hair if needed.

Manual: 12-lead ECG user guide. The full manufacturer manual is on the USB drive supplied with the device.

Easymac Portable ECG Heart Monitor, 3-Wire

Wipe the metal electrodes and leads with gauze dampened with 75% isopropyl alcohol, then dry with a cloth. For low-level disinfection, the manufacturer also allows a 1:10 bleach solution. This is the only Visionflex device where bleach is approved.

Replace leads that are damaged or ageing. Remove the batteries if you'll store it for a long time. Store it between -20°C and 60°C, away from moisture and direct sun.

Manual: 3-lead ECG PC-80B manual

A&D Blood Pressure Monitor Kit

Never use alcohol on the monitor or cuff. Clean both with a dry soft cloth, or a cloth dampened with water and a neutral detergent. Neither part is water resistant, so keep them away from water and sweat.

Wipe the inside of the cuff after each patient. Don't fold the cuff tightly or store the hose twisted. A cuff lasts about two years at six uses a day, so replace it when it's worn. A&D recommends an accuracy check every two years. Remove the batteries for long-term storage.

For patients on contact precautions or with an infectious skin condition, use a single-patient cuff instead of the shared one.

Manuals: A&D blood pressure monitor manual | A&D UA-651BLE manufacturer manual

ChoiceMMed MD300C228 Bluetooth Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Wipe the silicone finger chamber and the housing with a cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol or 70% ethanol before and after each patient. Don't pour or spray liquid onto it or let liquid into any opening. Don't over-disinfect, as it hardens and splits the silicone. Never use ethylene oxide or formaldehyde.

Remove the batteries if it won't be used for a long time, and store it dry, between -25°C and 70°C.

Manual: ChoiceMMed MD300C228 product page

Taidoc Infrared Thermometer (Ear) - Bluetooth

Fit a new disposable probe cover for every patient. The thermometer detects the cover and ejects it after use. Wipe the housing with a cloth lightly dampened with 70% IPA.

Clean the probe lens only when it's visibly soiled, using a cotton bud lightly dampened with 70% alcohol, and let it dry before use. A dirty lens gives low readings.

Manual: Ear thermometer TD-1261CD manual

Taidoc Infrared Forehead Thermometer - Bluetooth

Clean the plastic casing with a soft dry cloth or a cloth dampened with 70% isopropanol. Clean the sensor with a soft dry cloth or cotton bud only, with no liquid.

Store it in a dry, dust-free place out of direct sun, between -20°C and 60°C. Remove the batteries for long-term storage.

Manual: contact Visionflex support for the TD-1242 manual.

Accu-Chek Blood Glucose Monitor

Use a new sterile lancet and test strip for every test, and dispose of lancets in a sharps container. Clean the meter to remove visible soil, then disinfect it with a fresh wipe of the type in the Australian IFU, keeping it wet for the stated contact time. Wipe around the strip slot without letting liquid in. Disinfect it before anyone else handles it, and at least weekly.

The Accu-Chek Guide Me is labelled as a personal meter. Sharing one meter between patients carries a risk of spreading bloodborne viruses. Check your organisation's policy on shared meters, and never share the lancing device.

If you see residue around buttons, a cloudy display or out-of-range control results after cleaning, stop using the meter and contact Accu-Chek Customer Care.

Manual: Accu-Chek Australia

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.