What are the GastroCH4ECK Infection Control Guidelines?
For Bedfont® GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer®
Before using the GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer®, 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 device 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. The GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® breath bags are for single use, while mouthpieces are for single patient use only. Reuse may lead to inaccurate readings and a higher risk of cross-infection. Dispose of the mouthpiece after use, following local waste disposal guidelines.
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 > 98% of viruses1, 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 1 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.
The GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® device comes with a moisture removal filter which can be attached to the sample bag and sampling port. The filter will gradually change colour from orange (dry) to dark green (saturated), indicating that replacement is required. Unlike some, Bedfont® use only non-carcinogenic drying methods for optimum safety. Please note that these have a 3 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:
a. The H2 sensor should be replaced every 2 years;b. The O2 sensor should be replaced every 2 years;
c. The CH4 sensor should be replaced every 5 years.
Calibration
- The GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® should be calibrated with 100 ppm H2 & CH4 once a month.
- It is recommended that only Bedfont® calibration gas is used; the device 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 before initial use and after each patient use. Bedfont®
recommends wiping the external surfaces of the instrument and D-piece™ 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.
Contact your local distributor for replacements:
- GastroCH4ECK® Gastrolyzer® mouthpieces
- Breath bags
- Sampling line
- Moisture removal filter
References
1. Public Health England. An Evaluation of Filtration Efficiencies Against Bacterial and Viral Aerosol Challenges. London: Public Health England; 2017
If the problem persists or has not been resolved by the information provided above, please contact your local distributor for more information. Find out who your local distributor is from our website here.
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