G9 disinfectant was used with the ET tubes and it had an effect on the airway of cats when the ET tubes were next used

RE: G9 disinfectant was used with the ET tubes and it had an effect on the airway of cats when the ET tubes were next used

Nicola Smith — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:46:32 GMT

Hi, I too have heard of problems not just from this brand. As previously stated very often they are left soaking too long and the material can absorb the disinfectant but also may be not rinsed thoroughly. Unfortunately you won't find any manufacturer recommendations as they are really designed to be single use but would also agree with the protocol described. I would maybe set an alarm and make sure they are only soaking as long as needed, and any yellowing or hardening of the tubes then discard them.

RE: G9 disinfectant was used with the ET tubes and it had an effect on the airway of cats when the ET tubes were next used

Gemma Milne — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:10:54 GMT

Thank you so much for this. I will talk to my colleagues and see if we can arrange a protocol and then do audits (which I like doing anyway).

RE: G9 disinfectant was used with the ET tubes and it had an effect on the airway of cats when the ET tubes were next used

James Colver Cert. Ed, RVN — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 16:33:46 GMT

Hello :) I have seen this with all sorts of disinfectants, particularly if they are left soaking in it for ages or if they are not rinsed properly. To the best of my knowledge there is no widely accepted / standard protocol for cleaning them because they are meant to be single use.

Personally I like to disinfect them in the Medistel type of disinfectants but again I have seen problems when soaked for too long / insufficient rinsing afterwards.

Others may have differing opinions on this protocol but I like to inflate the cuff, soak and clean in enzymatic cleaner (brush through tubes, pipe cleaners for small ones), disinfect, rinse then dry, deflate cuff before they go back in the drawer (having tubes on the wall on a rack is another story..)

Why not come up with a protocol and then use it for a clinical audit..? That way you can make an informed judgement whether what you are doing is OK, change accordingly, and use for PSS inspection (if applicable!)

Best wishes