Some inner tubes are disposable, but most require cleaning if they are not heavily soiled. Fig 1 is a video showing the process for removing, cleaning and replacing an inner tube.

Question: Do you think that cleaning an inner tube should be a sterile procedure? Could you run the inner tube under the tap to clean it?

Answer

Some inner tubes are disposable, but most require cleaning if they are not heavily soiled. Fig 1 is a video showing the process for removing, cleaning and replacing an inner tube.

Question: Do you think that cleaning an inner tube should be a sterile procedure? Could you run the inner tube under the tap to clean it?

Answer: This is a clean, not a sterile procedure.

A wide variety of solutions are used across healthcare including tap water, sterile water, sterile saline and hydrogen peroxide 10 w/v (3%).

Evidence to support the use of tap, sterile water or other solutions is equivocal and local policies vary in their recommendations, influenced by the available water supply and quality, types of tubes used and patient condition. Hospitalized patients with medical problems are a different population to community patients and generally a higher standard of cleanliness is appropriate.

It is important to note that the central rationale for cleaning of inner cannula is to mechanically remove debris which may physically obstruct a patient’s airway. A secondary outcome of mechanical cleaning is a reduction in the numbers of microbes present.

Some inner tubes are disposable, but most require cleaning if they are not heavily soiled. Fig 1 is a video showing the process for removing, cleaning and replacing an inner tube.

Question: Do you think that cleaning an inner tube should be a sterile procedure? Could you run the inner tube under the tap to clean it?

Answer: This is a clean, not a sterile procedure.

A wide variety of solutions are used across healthcare including tap water, sterile water, sterile saline and hydrogen peroxide 10 w/v (3%).

Evidence to support the use of tap, sterile water or other solutions is equivocal and local policies vary in their recommendations, influenced by the available water supply and quality, types of tubes used and patient condition. Hospitalized patients with medical problems are a different population to community patients and generally a higher standard of cleanliness is appropriate.

It is important to note that the central rationale for cleaning of inner cannula is to mechanically remove debris which may physically obstruct a patient’s airway. A secondary outcome of mechanical cleaning is a reduction in the numbers of microbes present.