Suction regulators can pose a risk of cross contamination. This is a “dirty little secret” due to common misconceptions about suction equipment, its predisposition to contamination, and most importantly, its potential to spread contaminants to subsequent patients.

In the effort to drive down the rate of Hospital Acquired Infections, the healthcare community is actively investigating every possible vector of pathogens. Boehringer has conducted a study exploring the risk of contaminated suction devices.

This study debunked certain myths regarding contamination and transmission of contaminants by suction regulators.

Myth #1: Suction equipment is not contaminated, since the system employs a waste canister and overflow protection.

A random study showed 37% of suction regulators tested positive for contamination with such microorganisms as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus cereus. It is common for vapor condensation to occur in suction tubing from the canister to the suction regulator. The force of suction can easily draw contaminants into the suction regulator device.

Myth #2: Aspirate will not be transmitted back through the suction system because suction flows in one direction- toward the wall source.

During nasogastric suctioning, suction regulators operate in intermittent mode, meaning the suction cycles on and off repeatedly. This interruption can create a back-and-forth fluid dynamic in suction regulators that do not completely drain during the OFF mode of the cycle.

Myth #3: Contaminants that are drawn inside a suction regulator from one patient cannot be transmitted to the next patient.

Because some suction regulators do not completely drain in the OFF cycle, any overflow waste they retain may contain contaminants from an infected patient. As described in myth #2, the back and forth dynamic of intermittent suction introduces flow back toward the patient. This can allow any contaminants inside the suction regulator to be introduced back into the suction circuit and ultimately to the patient.

Any infection prevention protocol can reduce the risk of cross-contamination by sterilizing the non-disposable components of the suction circuit. Boehringer Laboratories suction regulators withstand fluids providing confidence that the device will work in an emergency. Other products shut down if flooded. They can also be easily decontaminated and are the only brand that can be autoclaved.

Protect your patients with Boehringer

Boehringer suction regulators can be autoclaved as needed to provide ultimate patient safety.

Control Costs with Boehringer

Simply decontaminate and autoclave Boehringer suction regulators to avoid the replacement or repair of contaminated competitive products. A safe and effective way to reduce risk and control your budget.