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Proper cleaning of a child's trach tube is so important and must be done carefully to ensure a clean airway. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, "The tracheostomy inner cannula tube should be cleaned two or three times per day or more as needed." This applies only to non-disposable inner cannula. You should consult your child's physician to determine how often is needed for your child. Cleaning a tracheostomy tube is not difficult, but does require learning and practice.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, here is a step-by-step procedure of how to clean an inner cannula:
1. Wash your hands. Maintaining proper hand hygiene will prevent bacteria from getting into the tracheostomy and will decrease the likelihood of bacteria entering the child's airway. See the video below for proper hand hygiene technique.
2. Place cleaning solution in a bowl. See below for current recommendations on proper cleaning solution.
3. Remove the inner cannula while holding the neck place of the trach still.
4. Place the inner cannula into the cleaning solution and soak until crusts are softened or removed.
5. Use the brush or pipe cleaner to clean the inside, outside, and creases of the tube. Do not use Brillo pads or scouring powder.
6. Look inside the inner cannula to ensure that the inside is clean and clear or mucous.
7. Rinse the tube with Normal Saline.
8. Place on a clean surface to allow it to dry.
Best Cleaning Solution
According to a peer-reviewed study published in 2007, home-sterilized water stored in containers vigorously cleaned by hand in soapy water was acceptable for use in pediatric tracheostomy care. The study found that using a mild detergent is sufficient to achieve decontamination, and disinfection. Use of a chlorhexidine-alcohol offers no further benefit to the patient, and using mild detergent can save families up to $630 dollars per year.
After seven minutes, the following video displays proper cleaning of a tracheostomy tube. However, the video recommends the use of hydrogen peroxide, but using a mild detergent has been proven to be effective.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, here is a step-by-step procedure of how to clean an inner cannula:
1. Wash your hands. Maintaining proper hand hygiene will prevent bacteria from getting into the tracheostomy and will decrease the likelihood of bacteria entering the child's airway. See the video below for proper hand hygiene technique.
2. Place cleaning solution in a bowl. See below for current recommendations on proper cleaning solution.
3. Remove the inner cannula while holding the neck place of the trach still.
4. Place the inner cannula into the cleaning solution and soak until crusts are softened or removed.
5. Use the brush or pipe cleaner to clean the inside, outside, and creases of the tube. Do not use Brillo pads or scouring powder.
6. Look inside the inner cannula to ensure that the inside is clean and clear or mucous.
7. Rinse the tube with Normal Saline.
8. Place on a clean surface to allow it to dry.
Best Cleaning Solution
According to a peer-reviewed study published in 2007, home-sterilized water stored in containers vigorously cleaned by hand in soapy water was acceptable for use in pediatric tracheostomy care. The study found that using a mild detergent is sufficient to achieve decontamination, and disinfection. Use of a chlorhexidine-alcohol offers no further benefit to the patient, and using mild detergent can save families up to $630 dollars per year.
After seven minutes, the following video displays proper cleaning of a tracheostomy tube. However, the video recommends the use of hydrogen peroxide, but using a mild detergent has been proven to be effective.
Here is a video depicting proper hand hygiene:
References:
http://www.sciencedirect.com.byui.idm.oclc.org/science/article/pii/S0196655307000934
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/tracheostomy/living/equipment_cleaning.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2wSiWuTxoc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9CMtzymZTg
http://www.pediatrichomeservice.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/jackson-for-vat-study1.jpg
http://www.sciencedirect.com.byui.idm.oclc.org/science/article/pii/S0196655307000934
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/tracheostomy/living/equipment_cleaning.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2wSiWuTxoc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9CMtzymZTg
http://www.pediatrichomeservice.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/jackson-for-vat-study1.jpg