Pulse Oximeters

Maintenance and Cleaning Instructions

Through its Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening program, Newborn Screening Ontario (NSO) aims to achieve consistency for Critical Congenital Heart Disease screening across the province. To do so, the pulse oximeters used for screening need to meet NSO’s Pulse Oximeter Requirements. Pulse oximeters commonly used by midwives (i.e., Edan (H100B) and Biolight (M700)) meet the requirements; however, NSO is recommending Medtronic/Covidien (PM10N) or Masimo (Rad-5) because those manufacturers are developing the functionality to automatically send data to NSO, which would improve data transfer. For further information on CCHD screening, refer to the AOM’s FAQ – Midwives & CCHD Pulse Oximetry Screening.

The table below is provided as information only. Midwives should consult manufacturer’s instructions for their specific device. If the instructions are unclear or conflict with best practices guidelines (see the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee’s Best Practices for Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization in All Health Care Settings), contact the manufacturer directly. If a device cannot be cleaned effectively according to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, consider using an alternate device or single-use accessories (SpO2 sensor and cable) in situations where the equipment could become soiled and difficult to clean (e.g., neonatal resuscitation).

Low level disinfection is required between clients for this equipment. Note that some manufacturers recommend cleaning with products approved for disinfection in health care, and some manufacturers recommend cleaning that does not meets PIDAC standards. This information is important in considering which brand of pulse oximeter to purchase.

 

Medtronic/Covidien
PM10N

Masimo Rad-5

Edan
H100B

Biolight
M700
Power on self-test
Do not use if "error/fail"		 Performed when on/off button is held for 1 second. Automatically performed when turned on.
Recommended calibration None None; a tester can be purchased if desired. None
Recommended servicing (check with vendor or manufacturer)

Every 24 months, qualified service technician checks:

  • Battery
  • Signs of damage
  • Legibility of safety labels
  • Normal functioning
 No preventative maintenance required by manufacturer.

Before 1st use and every 24 months, qualified service technician checks:

  • Signs of damage
  • Legibility of safety labels
  • Normal functioning

Every 12 months, qualified service technician checks:

  • Signs of damage
  • Legibility of safety lables
  • Normal functioning
Cleaning of oximeter and reusable
accessories (Sp02 sensor and cables)
after each use

Use a soft cloth with

  • commercial, nonabrasive cleaner;
  • quaternary ammonium compounds;
  • quaternary ammonium compounds in combination with polyhexanide;
  • alcohols (i.e., 70% isopropyl alcohol;
  • glucoprotamin;
  • 10% chlorine bleach solution; or
  • PDI Sani-System.

Disconnect sensor and cable before wiping.

Wipe accessories and display panel with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Use of other solvents may cause corrosion or weakened plastic, voiding the warranty.

Clean outer surface with mild soap and water using a soft cloth.

Air dry thoroughly before use.

Switch off the oximeter and remove batteries.

Using a soft cloth, wipe exterior, screen, sensor and cable with

  • 75 % ethanol; or
  • 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Wipe off the cleaning solution with a dry cloth.

Allow sensor to air dry to ensure no residual moisture remains.

Use commonly used hospital cleaning agents and non-corrosive detergents.

Avoid alcohol-based, amido- or acetone-based detergents when cleaning the oximeter.

To clean the sensor and cable, wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide.

 
Cleaning caution Gently wipe with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Ensure liquids do not enter the interior of the device.
Note Oximeter accessories are sold as reusable, single-use or a combination of reusable/disposable (i.e., reusable cables/disposable wrap). The above pulse oximeter accessory cleaning instructions pertain to reusable accessories. All single-use accessories should be disposed after each use.