When should a patient care technician clean and disinfect reusable EKG equipment?

Cleaning and disinfecting reusable EKG equipment immediately after each patient is essential to prevent cross-contamination and the transmission of infections. This practice ensures that any potentially infectious materials, which may be present after a patient has used the equipment, are effectively removed before the equipment is used by the next patient.

By adhering to this standard, patient care technicians uphold infection control protocols, thereby safeguarding the health and safety of all patients. While there are other times when cleaning may occur, such as at the end of the day or if equipment appears dirty, the most effective and proactive approach is to disinfect right after each use. This minimizes the risk of pathogens being transferred between patients and reinforces the critical importance of maintaining a sterile environment in healthcare settings.