Hospital sleep centers are shifting from reusable equipment to one-time-use thermistors, EEG electrodes, CPAP tubing, respiratory effort belts, and more, according to an article on Sleep Review website.
The shift has been linked to increased focus on hospital infection control, among other factors.
Disposables are seen as an easier way to earn (re)accreditation if infection control protocols are of concern, particularly for Joint Commission-accredited hospitals, the article said.
High-level disinfection protocols for reusables can be expensive. Sleep supplies that touch mucus membranes or non-intact skin must undergo high-level disinfection before being used on another patient.
Seeking Standards for Microbial Loads in Healthcare Facilities
UCR Health Unveils Plans for Major Expansion
High-Performance Windows Support Safety at UW Medicine's New Behavioral Health Center
Central Maine Healthcare Dealing with IT System Outage
Kaiser Permanente Opens Newly Expanded Everett Medical Center