GastroCH4ECK Maintenance Guidelines

For Bedfont® GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer®

Before using any of the above equipment, the Operating Manual should be read and fully understood.

Infection Control

Washing hands before and after testing is highly recommended for both operator and user as part of a sensible infection control regime.

The devices can use either a GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® mouthpiece that connects to the device via a sampling line, or a breath sample can be obtained via a sample breath bag. GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® mouthpieces and breath bags are single-use only as re-use can increase the risk of cross-infection.

The GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® direct breath sample mouthpieces enable patients to
exhale directly into the device with instant results. The mouthpiece itself is specifically designed with the latest bacterial filtration to remove >99% of airborne bacteria and viruses, further removing any moisture from the patient’s breath. The GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® breath bags have been specifically developed to capture as much of the end-tidal sample as possible. Breath samples can also be stored in these bags for up to one month, with no loss of concentration, making them ideal for remote testing and analysing at a later date. One-way breath bag mouthpieces are supplied to ensure no loss of sample and increased infection control.

These filters have been rigorously tested by Public Health England (PHE) giving the patient and health care professional peace of mind. The filter should be changed monthly to ensure optimal infection control. The filter will gradually change colour from orange (dry) to dark green (saturated), indicating that replacement is required. Please note that these have a three month shelf life and will last for approximately 150 samples.

Routine maintenance

See the operating manual for full maintenance instructions. The GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® should be switched off once every 24 hours. The device must be calibrated once every 4 weeks. The device will provide daily reminders via the reminder screen after turning on the GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® for 1 month leading up to the sensor change due date. Once this date has elapsed the date will turn red to indicate that sensor replacement is overdue:

Calibration

• The GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® should be calibrated with 100ppm H2 & CH4 once a month.

• It is recommended that only Bedfont® calibration gas is used; the unit may give false readings if not calibrated.

Cleaning

Wipe the external surfaces of the instrument with a product specifically developed for this purpose. The device should be cleaned for initial use and after each patient use. Bedfont® recommends wiping the instrument and D-pieceTM external surfaces between each patient with an alcohol-free wipe specifically designed for this purpose. A list of approved wipes can be found here: https://www.bedfont.com/cleaning-bedfont-devices.

NEVER use alcohol or cleaning products containing alcohol or other organic solvents as these vapours will damage the sensor within the instrument. Under no circumstances should the instrument be immersed in or splashed with liquid.