A Beginner’s Guide: How To Set Up Suction Machine For The First Time
According to the Department of Health, choking is the fourth leading cause of death among children under the age of 5. This is either due to the entrapment of mucus, saliva, or blood in the airway passage or the entry of a foreign object that restricts breathing by blocking the windpipe. In such a state of emergency, using a suction machine is the best choice. However, most people often ask about how to set up suction machines and how to clean them afterwards.
Numerous choking accidents can be prevented by using a suction machine
In this article, we will address the question of how to set up suction machines, especially for the first time. In addition, some of the well-known suction machine brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.
What are Suction Machines?
Suction machines or aspirators are the medical tools used for sucking out the saliva, mucus, vomit, blood, or any other kind of liquid or semi-solid material from the airway passage. In addition, the system also comes in handy when a foreign object is stuck in the respiratory tract and causes choking, as the device can take it out in no time.
Some suction machines are bigger, heavier, and, therefore, are suitable for use within healthcare facilities, while others are portable and can be carried around to tackle emergencies in remote areas. The hospital-based systems are either wall-mounted or carried around within the facility on a wheeled medical cart.
How to Set Up Suction Machines?
When it comes to learning about how to set up suction machines, following the correct procedure is important to get the best results. In this regard, the given step-by-step instructions should be kept in mind while operating the system:
Prepare Yourself
Before learning about how to set up suction machines, it is important to wash your hands first before handling them. This is because microbes can get transferred from your dirty hands to the patient’s airway passage, leading to infections.
Prepare Your Space
In the next stage of learning about how to set up suction machines, the device should be placed on a flat and dry surface. This is essential because the system must remain stable during its operation as if the system vibrates during suctioning, there is a risk of injury or trauma to the patient.
Connect the Holding Canister
Once you have chosen a suitable surface for your device, the next step in learning how to set up suction machines is to attach the holding canister to the product. These holding or collection canisters come in both reusable and disposable forms, and a choice should be made based on the caregiver or healthcare provider’s convenience.
As soon as the holding canister is attached to the suction machine, its lid should be pressed firmly to fix it in place. This way, a tight, leak-proof seal is generated that is necessary for achieving the required suction pressure. In addition, a tighter seal also ensures that the collected material from the airways does not spill.
Connect the Suction Tube
Now, when the device and holding canister have been assembled, there is a need to connect the two tubing. While learning about how to set up suction machines, keep in mind that the shorter tube is for the attachment of the canister lid to the hydrophobic filter, while the longer one makes a connection between the suction machine and the patient.
Adjust the Vacuum Pressure
At this stage of learning about how to set up suction machines, the vacuum or suction pressure is to be set. To do so, turn the suction machine on. Now, by placing your thumb or hand on the patient end of the tubing, create a seal.
While maintaining this seal, adjust the pressure using the regulator knob while keeping an eye on the gauge. Choose the pressure level that is suitable for the patient, depending on their age. Keep in mind that this pressure can also differ based on the type of procedure to be conducted.
Perform a Safety Check
Once the device has been set, performing a safety check lets you know if the device is working as intended. For this purpose, dip the tip of the suction catheter into sterile water. If the device is able to suck the material without any problem, it is an indication that the setup has been completed successfully.
Suction machines can help save lives and reduce the number of hospital visits due to accidental choking
How to Clean a Suction Machine after Usage?
Once you have learned how to set up suction machines, it is also important to focus on their cleanliness once the operation has finished. For this purpose, keep in mind the following tips:
Discard the Disposable Components
The components of the suction machine that are disposable should be discarded immediately after use. These usually include lid, tubing, and disposable holding canisters that contain the collected material that might contain infection-causing microbes. This disposal must be done according to the local medical waste management protocols.
Cleaning and Disinfection of Reusable Components
In case of reusable holding canisters, lids, and tubing, empty them into the toilet and wash thoroughly using warm, soapy water. Once properly cleaned, rinse all the components with tap water. To further disinfect them, it is recommended to soak the reusable components in a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water for disinfection for at least 30 minutes. Afterwards, use a clean and dry towel to hold these components until they air dry.
Cleaning the Suction Machine
While learning about how to set up suction machines, learning about their proper maintenance is also important. In this regard, wiping the exterior housing as well as the vacuum port of the device using a clean cloth damped with mild soap is recommended.
Similarly, a separate cloth dampened with a 10% bleach solution should be used for disinfecting these parts. It should be ensure that no amount of liquid gets into the electronics of the vacuum system. For this purpose, a dry and lint-free cloth should be used to wipe the device until completely dry.
Clean a Suction Machine: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Always perform hand hygiene while handling the suction machines. It is one of the most essential steps while learning about how to set up suction machines.
- Clean and disinfect all the reusable components of the system immediately after use.
- Change the tubing of the suction machine every week, while the filter needs replacement on a monthly basis.
- Inspect all the components of the device regularly and replace them if there are visible signs of wear and tear.
Don’ts
- Never submerge the suction device in water or any other liquid. This is because, when it comes to learning about how to set up suction machines, it is important to note that liquids can damage the electronic components of the device.
- Never use oil or grease on the machine’s reusable components.
- Never use hydrocarbon-based, abrasive cleaners to wipe the suction machine.
- Never overfill the holding canister as it can result in spillage.
Patients with impaired coughing reflex also need suction machines for clearing their airways
Suction Machines at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Using suction machines for several medical and dental procedures is common within healthcare facilities. These are vacuum-based systems that generate a suction force to pull out the material that is causing airway obstruction. This way, the risk of choking is eliminated, leading to enhanced patient safety.
However, when it comes to learning about how to set up suction machines, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known suction machine brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:
Drive Medical 18600 Suction Pump Portable Home Heavy Duty Aspirator Machine ~NIB
18600
US$279.99
Product Details
Drive Medical 18600 portable home heavy duty suction pumps are easy-to-carry suction systems available in the market. These work by generating a negative pressure that pulls the obstructing material out of the airway passage. In this regard, the device can generate up to 560 mm Hg vacuum pressure.
Moreover, while learning about how to set up suction machines, an easy user-interface is a plus, especially for home based use. These Drive Medical 18600 portable home heavy duty suction pumps are known for their easy operation, smaller size, and uncomplicated handling, that makes the system preferable over other suction systems.
In addition, these Drive Medical 18600 portable home heavy duty suction pumps have a holding canister with a leak-proof lid that does not allow the collected material to spill. The anti-vibration vacuum technology also ensures that the device remains stable during its employment.
Drive Medical 610-12B Disposable Suction Canisters 800CC Pack of 12
US$61.89
Product Details
Drive Medical 610-12B disposable suction canisters are used for holding the collected material from the airways. As these are disposable items, they can be discarded after a single use, a feature that eliminates the need of cleaning the device. This way, the risk of contracting an infection due to direct contact with the collected material is also reduced.
Moreover, these Drive Medical 610-12B disposable suction canisters, besides liquid and semi-solid materials like mucus, vomit, saliva, and blood, are also effective against solid foreign objects that are blocking the airway passage. The capacity of the holding canister is 800cc, and the product has increments etched on it for easy measurement.
Furthermore, while learning about how to set up suction machines, choosing the devices with leak-proof lids is preferred. In this regard, these Drive Medical 610-12B disposable suction canisters have an auto shut-off float valve for the prevention of spillage of the collected material.
Additionally, the system also contains universal ports for easy connectivity with different types of suction machines. As these systems are lighter in weight, they can be carried around easily along with a portable suction machine.
Drive Medical 18600-KITN Universal Suction Machine Tubing and Filter Replacement Kit
Drive Medical 18600-KITN Universal Suction Machine Tubing and Filter Replacement Kit
US$24.99
Product Details
Drive Medical 18600-KITN universal suction machine tubing and filter replacement kits contain a holding canister that has a universal elbow connector for quick and easy attachment with different suction machines. The hydrophobic filters present in the system prevents the material backflow into the device.
When it comes to learning about how to set up suction machines, it is important to check the type of tubing the device needs. In this regard, the Drive Medical 18600-KITN universal suction machine tubing allows easy insertion into the airway passage that is assisted with its 72-inches length. Moreover, the blue color of the tube makes it easily identifiable. The medical-grade silicone-
*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Suction machines reduce overall child deaths by managing choking within time
The products linked in the article, while learning about how to set up suction machines, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of healthcare products.
Conclusion
When it comes to performing suctioning of the airway passage, it is important to employ a device that can effectively suck out the materials causing the obstruction. Here, the importance of suction machines becomes undeniable.
When it comes to learning about how to set up suction machines, the above-mentioned step-by-step instructions should be followed. This way, a lot of time can be saved while getting the best results during suctioning. In addition, proper handling of the device also prolongs its overall usage lifespan.
Considering their importance, oral suction machines should be kept in healthcare facilities to accommodate the patients in need. For purchasing different kinds of medical devices, including suction machines, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/choking_prevention_for_children.htm
