Care and cleaning of medical supplies and equipment
Arkansas Code § 20-10-203; Arkansas Code § 20-10-216; Arkansas Code § 20-10-224
(a)
- (1) In homes where commercially packaged sterile disposable items, i.e., dressings, syringes, needles, gloves, catheters, etc., are not provided, a method shall be utilized to achieve sterility for these required items.
(2) Suitable methods for sterilization are:
- (A) Steam autoclave;
- (B) Pressure cooker;
- (C) Liquid sterilizing solution; and
- (D) Dry heat sterilizer.
(b)
- (1) Thermometers shall be disinfected by methods approved by the Office of Long-Term Care.
- (2) One (1) suitable method is to clean the thermometer thoroughly with soap and water and place in solution of iodine one percent (1%) and isopropyl alcohol for at least ten (10) minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with cold water before use.
(c) Methods approved by the office shall be used to sanitize:
- (1) Bedpans;
- (2) Urinals; and
- (3) Emesis basins.