Maintenance & Infection Control

Maintenance & Infection Control

Before using any of the above equipment, the Operating Manual should be read and fully understood.

Infection Control

Washing hands before and after testing is highly recommended for both operator and user as part of a sensible infection control regime.

The monitors use disposable cardboard Flatpak mouthpieces that connect to the monitor via a D-piece. The mouthpieces are singleuse only as re-use can increase the risk of cross-infection.

The D-piece contains a one-way valve to prevent patients drawing air back from the monitor. An integrated infection control filter removes and traps >99.9% of airborne bacteria1. Bedfont recommend that the D-piece is replaced every month or if visibly soiled. Take advice from your infection control expert before use on patients with known communicable diseases/conditions. D-pieces cannot be sterilised as this process may affect the positioning of the valve. It is possible that saliva can build up inside D-pieces that are not replaced regularly, which may over time affect the valve and efficacy of the filter material.

It is preferable that the user attaches they own mouthpiece to the D-piece before the breath test, and detaches and disposes of it once the test is complete.

Whilst the user is exhaling, the operator should avoid positioning themselves in front of the exhaust port of the instrument.

Routine Maintenance

See the Operating Manual for full maintenance instructions.

The D-piece requires changing at least every 28 days. A reminder will appear on the Micro+, Gastro+ and ToxCO start-up screens. Batteries should be replaced when indicated. They should be removed if the instrument is not likely to be used for some time.

Calibration

The piCO+should be calibrated with 20ppm carbon monoxide in air calibration gas at least every six months.

The Micro+ and ToxCO should be calibrated with 50ppm carbon monoxide in air calibration gas at least every six months. A reminder that calibration is due will be displayed on the instrument start-up screen every 24 weeks.

The Gastro+ should be calibrated with 100ppm hydrogen in air at least every three months, displaying an on-screen reminder every 12 weeks.

It is recommended that only Bedfont calibration gas is used. The unit may give false readings if not calibrated. H2 in air calibration cylinders are available in 20 and 110 litres. CO in air gas can be supplied in 5, 20 or 110 litre cannisters, or a single-use Cali-bag for piCO+ or Micro+ Smokerlyzers .

Cleaning

Wipe the external surfaces of the instrument with a product specifically developed for this purpose. Bedfont provides instrument cleansing wipes that contain an antimicrobial liquid. It is recommended that wipes are used once and for one surface only.

Never use alcohol or cleaning products containing alcohol or other organic solvents as these vapours will damage the sensor within the instrument.

Under no circumstances should the instrument be immersed in or splashed with liquid.