I have re-used my suction catheters for years. I only use one
catheter per day, only changing it every day. The only time I might
change it more often is when it gets clogged by a mucous plug. It isn't
too hard to do safely, if you follow some careful procedures.
Originally, when I got my first trach in 1982, I used the
re-usable red gum rubber type. I had ten of them, and my attendants had
to sterilize them everyday in a disinfectant solution of 1part vinegar, 5
parts water. You couldn't use chemical disinfectant (Control 3, etc.)
because it was too hard on the rubber. I didn't start using disposable
catheters until '86.
My procedures for re-using my catheters is quite simple. I have
two bottles by my bedside, one sterile (in my case boiled) water, the
other Control 3 (or equivalent) disinfect. I store (soak) my catheter in
the Control 3 when I'm not using it. This kills any germs that may be on
it. When I need suctioning, my attendant takes it out of the Control 3,
then dips it in the water to rinse it off. H/she sucks a little bit of
water (2-3 teaspoons) through it to clear away any excess Control 3.
This is important to avoid getting any of it (Control 3) in your trach.
After suctioning h/she sucks some more water through it to flush away any
mucous. When h/she finishes suctioning, they place it back in the bottle
of Control 3 to soak it until next time.
This procedures seems to work well for me. I haven't had a lung
infection for years. (Knock on wood!). Good luck!
Blane
:-)
On Thu, 12 Feb 1998 19:56:28 -0700 Cody Namesnik <cody(AT)netzone.com>
writes:
>I 've been sick /w flu for week 1/2! Getting better! That why I ve
>been
>silent on List..
>
>But anyway my insurance has CUT me way Back on Suction catheters! IF I
>may ask how much a month does everyone "vent/trach." else get? And
>want
>me to re-use & soak in sterile water!!
>Anybody here do that?? What a time to cut back suction catheters, When
>somebody's sick!
>
>Also Im tube feed, their now trying to get me on blenderized food
>instead of Ensure/Sustacal which I've been on all my life!!!! geeshh!!
>
>--
>Cody Namesnik
>http://www.netzone.com/~cody
>cody(AT)netzone.com
>
>
>
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