Blog

Dismantle & Clean the Device

Clean the Serres canister if needed according to manufacturer’s instructions for use. Clean the Serres Vacuum Connector by wiping with a damp cloth or a sponge. Do not autoclave or attempt to disassemble. The Serres Vacuum Connector should be replaced regularly.

Dismantle Dismantle parts to be decontaminated after each use. The Float Ball can be snapped out of the lid.
Rinse Rinse all parts under cold running water a total of 3 times. Immerse in warm water
Clean Thorough rinsing and cleaning are important steps prior to disinfection. Immerse parts in hot water (60–70°C) containing a mild detergent. Thoroughly clean all surfaces, use a brush where possible. Rinse in warm water and allow to dry. Inspect all parts to be visibly clean and dry.

Disinfection of Reusable Parts

Glutaraldehyde - Room temperature / concentration: 2% 60 minutes		Rinse all parts in warm water. Allow to dry.
Sodium Hypochlorite (not cleared for use in the US) - Room temperature / concentration: 0.5% 20 minutes.		Rinse all parts in warm water. Allow to dry.
Virkon - Room temperature / concentration: 1% 10 minutes.		Rinse all parts in warm water. Allow to dry.
Steam autoclaving - Autoclave at max. 121 °C 60 minutes.		Allow all parts to cool.

Cleaning - LSU Serres

Parts to be cleaned or replaced regularly:

• Serres Canister
• Serres Vacuum Connector
• The disposable parts must be replaced after each use.

Clean the Serres canister if needed according to manufacturer’s instructions for use. Clean the Serres Vacuum Connector by wiping with a damp cloth or a sponge. Do not autoclave or attempt to disassemble. The Serres Vacuum Connector should be replaced regularly.

Clean the LSU Cabinet

Use a minimum amount of liquid to prevent any electrical shock hazard. Do not immerse the LSU or allow it to stand in water or other liquids. This can damage the device, and cause electrical shock resulting in injury to persons.

• Use a cloth or sponge that is dampened with a mild detergent (hand dishwashing liquid or similar) to clean the external surfaces of the LSU.
• Use a detergent that is compatible with the materials (See full PDF), and follow the detergent manufacturer´s instructions.
• Use a cloth or sponge dampened with water and wipe the surfaces again. Dry the surfaces using a clean cloth or a paper towel.

Setup and Use of the LSU

The Laerdal Suction Unit (LSU) is a portable, powerful and highly reliable suction unit designed for optimal preparation in emergency situations. The LSU is available as a reusable or semi-disposable option, depending on your requirements.

Before Use Checklist

• Check that no parts are missing and that all parts are clean.
• To operate the LSU from an external power source, connect to either external AC or DC power. To operate the LSU from the internal battery, check that the battery is installed.
• Run Device Test.

LSU Reusable:

• Check that the Patient Suction Tubing is securely connected to the Patient Inlet on the Canister Lid; and the Aerosol Filter is securely fastened in the LSU and the lid.
• Check that a suction catheter is attached to the patient suction tube or suction adapter. Do not use the suction tube or suction adapter without a suction catheter attached.

LSU Serres:

• Check that the Serres Vacuum Connector is properly connected to the LSU and to the canister.
• Check that the lid of the canister is properly sealed: block patient inlet and turn on the LSU. Vacuum will build up when all parts are assembled correctly.
• Attach appropriate suction catheter if necessary. (Not supplied by Laerdal Medical).

How to use the device:

1. Unwind the Suction Tubing. Set the Operating Knob to the required vacuum level. The LSU will switch on and start to operate. The Power On Indicator lights up during operating.
2. When suction is complete, set the Operating Knob to “0” to turn off.

Caution: Even if the Operating Knob is set to “0”, voltage is present on some of the internal circuitry when the LSU is connected to external power. Disconnect from the mains to fully remove power.

After Use Checklist

• Inspect all parts of the LSU for damage and excessive wear. Replace parts if necessary.
• Clean the LSU cabinet. Clean and disinfect reusable parts. See Cleaning section.
• LSU Serres: The Serres Vacuum Connector should be replaced regularly. Place an unopened Serres Suction Tube on the side of the LSU.
• Perform Device Test. See Device Test section.
• Place the LSU on charge.

The Aerosol Filter protects the LSU by preventing aerosols from entering the Pump Unit. It is not intended for microbiological or for particle filtration. The Aerosol Filter is not designed for decontamination. It is recommended that the Aerosol Filter be replaced after each use or at least once every shift. If the LSU is used on patients in areas where cross contamination is not an issue, the Aerosol Filter should be replaced at least once a month. It is recommended always to have extra Aerosol Filters with the LSU in case one has to be discarded. If the Aerosol Filter becomes wet, it should be replaced immediately or as soon as possible after use.

Notes:

• Check the filter after each use. If the filter is broken so liquid penetrates the membrane, the pump will be contaminated. Contact Laerdal Service.
• The Float Ball (in the Canister lid) shuts off the vacuum if the Canister is full or the LSU tips over. To restore the vacuum, remove the Angled Connector from the Vacuum Inlet. The Float Ball will be released and the Angled Connector can be reattached.
• The Serres Suction Bag system contains a hydrophilic filter that shuts off the vacuum if the canister is full or the LSU tips over. To restore the vacuum, replace the Suction bag.

Plinth/Couch Re-Upholstery Service

Medi-Plinth are able to re-upholster any brand of couch:
Torn or damaged upholstery sections represent a significant infection control risk. Therefore Medi-plinth offer a full range of replacement upholstery sections for all our couches, as well as other brands.

If your couch has been well used and the upholstery has been worn-down, it can become uncomfortable for patients to use. At this point it would be helpful to reupholster your couch.

All you need is the couch serial number and description of the damaged section. From this we can quote on the price to reupholster an individual section, or the full couch.

Our Upholstery is available in 14 standard colours.
We are able to offer a variety of other colours and styles, but these will incur an additional charge.

Please select below the type of couch for re-upholstery details:

• One Section Couch Re-upholstery 
• Two Section Couch Re-upholstery 
• Three Section Couch Re-upholstery 
• Examination Chair Re-upholstery 

How to clean your medical couch

To maintain their appearance, our plinth fabrics should be cleaned regularly to remove fatty substances and soiling. Light soiling can be removed by wiping with a damp, soapy cloth or sponge and subsequent rinsing with water before drying. If dirt is ingrained, the surface may be scrubbed with a soft brush. For stubborn stains a mix of 1 part methylated spirits to 5 parts water may be used. A very mild antiseptic may also be used if required.

Care should be taken to protect the vinyl from oil based products (including body oils) as continued contact will cause the vinyl to harden. All of the Medi-Plinth range has been tested and are capable of withstanding the most rigorous cleaning regime. These fabrics can be used with all NHS approved cleaning solutions such as Chlor-Clean, Haz-Tab, Milton and Tristel. Clinell wipes and other alcohol based wipes are safe to use on our vinyls.

The fabrics are resistant to most mild acids, alkalis and household stains. Some substances such as ballpoint pen, lipstick, newsprint and food colourings may be absorbed by the vinyl and cause permanent staining. This can be minimised by immediate cleaning with a damp soapy cloth or sponge.

Caution:

Do not use chemical bleaching materials, solvents, abrasive cleaners, wax polish or aerosol spray polishes. The use of these substances is likely to be harmful to PVC coated fabrics and repeated use can result in the removal of the plasticiser of the PVC compound, which will result in hardening and subsequent cracking of the material surface.

Purchase a Medi-Plinth Couch

Using the SD Card with your fridge

When you register the warranty of your Labcold refrigerator (UK customers only, available for purchase elsewhere), you will be sent an SD card. Although it looks like a card you may have in your camera, this SD card will only work with your Labcold fridge and using it for any other purpose may render it unable to have data from the fridge uploaded to it.

Your Labcold refrigerator automatically records performance information such as door openings, temperatures etc. The SD card allows you to extract this information and store it on your computer and/or print hard copy. The information stored in the controller will cover the last 13 months and is not deleted from the fridges’ memory when downloaded. It is recommended you perform a download of this data on a weekly basis and at least annually to prevent data being over written and the download failing. If you wish to store the data on the SD card and not your computer (which is preferable) we recommend you get a new card every year to prevent data overwriting.

Requirements

Your Labcold RLDF/G10A series pharmacy refrigerator is fi tted with the unique IntelliCold® controller which stores temperature data for up to 13 months. To transfer this data to your PC you will require the following:

• A pre-programmed Labcold SD card supplied on return of warranty registration (UK customers only) or purchased separately. Only genuine Labcold SD cards will work with Labcold refrigerators.
• An SD card reader (not supplied) or port.
• CSV files will display on all PCs and Macs.
• 4 AA batteries (not supplied) fitted to temperature alarm backup. This will ensure that temperature logging and the internal timer will continue to operate during a power failure. Batteries must be changed yearly.

Please be aware: Your Labcold SD card does not require any software to be downloaded to your computer and will not copy your data nor automatically download data to your computer. Your require one Labcold SD Card per fridge, otherwise you risk data being lost or overwritten. We do not recommend that you leave the SD card in the refrigerator SD card slot as it may get broken or lost.

Labcold Fridge Front Panel Display

The display on the front of the refrigerator is designed to constantly show the temperature inside the fridge correct to one decimal place.

High/Low Temperature Alarm

If the temperature in your refrigerator rises above 8oC an alarm will sound and the front panel will flash Hi and the current temperature inside the fridge. This information will display alternately. The cause of the rise in temperature should be investigated immediately. Usually, it is simply because the door has been open for a long time or the fridge has been restocked, however, it is recommended that you check the fridge to make sure that the temperature is returning to normal.

If the temperature in your refrigerator drops below 2oC an alarm will sound and the front panel will alternately flash between Lo and the chamber temperature. There could be a number of reasons for this, such as extremely cold items being placed in the fridge. The cause of the drop in temperature should be investigated immediately and the refrigerator should be monitored to check that it is returning to the correct temperature.

Min/Max Temperature Recording

The DH Green Book Chapter 3 recommends that: ‘temperatures in the refrigerator must be monitored and recorded at least once each working day, and documented on a chart for recording temperatures’. Your Labcold pharmacy refrigerator records the maximum high and minimum low temperatures when connected to mains electricity (if batteries are fi tted, it will record when not connected). This information is stored until the fridge is reset.

This information can be accessed if you press the ‘Hi/Lo’ button and release. The display will show Hi and then the highest temperature recorded since the last reset, then Lo and display the lowest temperature.

Min/Max Temperature Reset

Once you have taken the temperatures for the day it is important that you reset the fridge. This is because the refrigerator will always display the high and low temperature since the last temperature reset. The refrigerator does not automatically reset.

To reset the minimum/maximum temperature press the ‘Hi/Lo’ button and hold. An alarm will sound and the current high and low temperatures will be displayed as above. Keeping your fi nger on the button, the display will then change to fl ash Hi Lo then revert to normal operation. This means you have successfully reset the minimum/maximum temperature display and the previous high and low temperatures have been deleted.

See the full range of Labcold refrigeration products 

Labcold IntelliCold® Pharmacy Refrigerators

Purposely designed and precision built for the safe storage of vaccines and other temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals. Although great care has been taken in the manufacture of your refrigerator, damage can occur in transit. Before using for the first time please remove all packaging and give your fridge a thorough visual inspection. If any damage is suspected, please contact your retailer immediately upon receipt of the product.

Initial Setup & Placement

Place your fridge in the location in which it is to be used. Do not place your fridge near a direct heat source or direct sunlight and leave at least 6cm all round the unit for adequate ventilation. Models designed to be wall mounted do not need extra space at the back because the cooling system is in the sides. Failure to do so may effect the performance of your refrigerator.

Clean your fridge with mild soapy water to remove any dust that may have accumulated during manufacture and dry thoroughly. Ensure your fridge is level by adjusting the feet at the bottom of your fridge.

For models with shelves, insert by placing clips in the racking and resting the shelf on top. When positioning the shelves, please remember to keep adequate room for air circulation. Failure to do so may cause hot spots in the fridge.

Please Note: Your refrigerator should now be left for at least two hours before connecting to the power for the first time

Powering up your fridge

Before plugging in your Labcold refrigerator for the first time make sure the power cable is free from damage and check that your voltage corresponds to that on the serial plate. It is recommended that you do not use extension cords or multiple socket adapters. Make sure the power cable is not bent, pinched or compressed and that it can be easily accessed.

Alarm Battery Backup: Insert 4 AA long life alkaline batteries (not supplied) in the holder located on the right side of the unit. Batteries will only power the controller not the fridge.

Once plugged in, the word Labcold will scroll across the display followed by a two digit model number. Alarms will then show on the display and you may hear the audible alarm as the fridge completes its start up diagnostic checks. This is because the controller is factory set to alarm when it senses the temperature inside the refrigerator is above 8°C or below 2°C. The refrigerator is now working and the sensors are detecting the ambient temperature. Once the fridge has cooled sufficiently it will cease to alarm. You can press the ‘alarm mute’ button (see figure 1 below) to cancel the alarms. The display will then show the temperature inside the fridge correct to one decimal place. This temperature is the actual temperature recorded by the probes inside the refrigerator and as the fridge cools to the set point (factory set at 5oC) so the number on the display will descend accordingly.

Please Note: Although the refrigerator will reach 5°C after an hour (approx.) you should still leave the fridge running for 24 hours before filling with temperature sensitive vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

See the full range of Labcold refrigeration products 

Cleaning the device

Do not attempt to clean the Propulse QrX™ Tip. Use one Propulse QrX™ Tip per patient treatment and discard to clinical waste after use as this reduces the risk of cross infection between patients. External cleaning of the Propulse Ear Irrigator should be done by hand, wiping with a damp cloth only. Apply liquids to the cloth not the unit. Do not immerse the unit in water. Mild detergents and disinfectants may be used externally.

Cleaning Instructions

The importance of using the correct strength cleaning solution cannot be overstated. A solution that is too strong will damage the device. A solution that is too weak will fail to provide the correct level of cleaning and decontamination. Mirage Health Group recommends the use of Propulse CHLOR-CLEAN Tablets. They are easy and effective to use and provide a measured / specific strength of cleaning solution that is safe and kind to the Propulse internal components. Ensure the unit has been cleaned prior to first use.

1. Place warm tap water into the reservoir up to the horizontal line on the front (G5 & PP17), or the 500ml mark (II, III & NG).
2. Place one Propulse CHLOR-CLEAN tablet into the reservoir and allow it to dissolve completely.
3. Once dissolved run the machine until the cleaning solution leaves the handle. This ensures that the cleaning solution has reached all of the internal components.
4. Leave the solution in place for 10 minutes.
5. After 10 minutes remove the reservoir with the remaining cleaning solution and discard.
6. Fill the reservoir with clean, well run, cold tap water and return to the Propulse.
7. Run the Propulse ensuring that all remaining cleaning solution has been flushed through.
8. Remove reservoir, discard water and dry reservoir thoroughly with a paper towel.
9. Return reservoir to the Propulse - it is now ready for use.

Please Note: Damage caused to your Propulse Ear Irrigator by not using the recommended cleaning agent will invalidate your warranty. Other instruments used with the Propulse should be cleaned according to local guidelines.

Purchase the ProPulse Ear Irrigator

HCE-UK are able to provide the ProPulse for a fantastic price, with full warranty and excellent customer service. Please be aware that this product is sold for medical professional use only. See the options below:
 

Our Simple Starter Guide

The Propulse® Ear Irrigator is intended to facilitate the removal of cerumen and foreign bodies that are not hygroscopic from the meatus. And also remove discharge, keratin or debris from the external auditory meatus by irrigation with warm water. Please be aware that this product is sold for medical professional use only. 

How to use the device (Operating Instructions)

These instructions are for general use. When required, refer to the detailed information provided further down in this post.

• Ensure that the warnings and cautions are observed.
• Ensure that the patient exhibits no contraindications (previous complications, ear infections, surgery etc.) 
• Ensure the unit has been cleaned prior to first use, and every day prior to use (See here for the full cleaning guide).
• The device may only be operated whilst connected to the mains supply using the adaptor and footswitch provided.
• The reservoir should be removed prior to filling.
• The water reservoir must be filled to the horizontal line on the front of the reservoir.
• Monitor temperature regularly to ensure that patient comfort and safety is maintained. Refill as necessary.
• Fit a new Propulse QrX™ Single Use Tip to the Handle.
• Adjust the Waterflow Switch (6) to an appropriate level.
• Turn the On/Off Switch (7) to the position marked “I”.
• Direct the irrigator tip into the noots tank and switch on the machine for 10-20 seconds in order to circulate the water through the system and eliminate any trapped air or cold water.
• Ensure the water is warm before presentation to the patient. During treatment you can pause the flow by releasing the footswitch.
• After treatment empty the reservoir and operate the device to purge any residual water.
• Remove the Propulse QrX™ Tip and dispose of in accordance with local authority guidelines.
• Turn off the On/Off switch after use and disconnect from the power supply.
• Clean the Propulse Ear Irrigator unit every morning prior to use, with a Propulse cleaning tablet.
• The Propulse Ear Irrigator should only be transported in a Propulse approved carry case toprevent damage or contamination.
• If any changes in performance occur, turn off the Propulse Ear Irrigator, disconnect from the mains electricity supply and DO NOT use. Please refer the machine to Mirage

Please follow these operating instructions at all times to ensure the device is being used correctly and safely. To ensure optimum performance the Propulse Ear Irrigator should be serviced every 12 months. Service or repairs conducted by unauthorised agencies/organisations invalidate any or implied warranties provided by the manufacturer.

Detailed Information for Product Use

• Fittng the Footswitch
  The footswitch is connected to the main unit by a socket in the side of the device. The Propulse® Propulse®Ear Irrigator will NOT operate unless the footswitch is connected.
• Filling the water reservoir It is recommended that:
  i) The water reservoir is removed from the device for filling and that the lid is always in place when the water container is in-situ on the device.
  ii) The water reservoir should be filled to the horizontal line on the front. This helps to eliminate the risk of spillage.
  iii) Water at 40°C is recommended. Higher temperatures increase the risk of scalding and burns to the patient. Lower temperatures increase the risk of patient discomfort and dizziness
• Fittng the Propulse QrX™ Tip ®
  The Propulse Ear Irrigator is designed to be used only with QrX™ Single Use Tips. Use one QrX™ Tip per treatment.
  i) Remove Tip from packaging - Tips are non-sterile.
  ii) Push Tip into Handle until a click can be heard.
• To remove a Propulse QrX™ Tip ®
  i) Retract the QrX™ Locking Collar using a thumb.
  ii) Grasp the used QrX™ Tip between forefinger and thumb and pull gently from the QrX™ Handle.
  iii) Dispose of the used Tip in accordance with local authority guidelines. Do not reuse tips.
  Propulse QrX™ Tips are available to purchase in boxes of 100 individually wrapped (non-sterile) tips from your normal Propulse supplier or from Mirage directly (UK only). Propulse QrX™ Tips are clearly branded with the Propulse logo on the tip and its packaging. Only branded Propulse QrX™ Tips should be used with the Propulse Ear Irrigator.
• Replacing the Mushroom Valve
  The Mushroom Valve is specifically designed to prevent water flowing out of the reservoir whilst filling. Should a replacement Mushroom Valve be required, please follow the steps below:
  Firstly ensure you are using the correct mushroom valve for this model Propulse Ear Irrigator. This will help prevent possible damage to the water inlet valve.
  i) Remove the reservoir from the Propulse Ear Irrigator.
  ii) Remove the old Mushroom Valve from the reservoir and discard
  iii) Insert a new Mushroom Valve without bending or exerting undue force on the legs of the Mushroom Valve, into the reservoir.
  iiii) Check the condition of the ‘O’ ring on the base of the reservoir and if worn replace with a new unit specific ‘O’ ring.
  ​iiiii) Return the reservoir to the machine
• ProPulse Power Adapter
  Connect the outlet lead of the Power Adaptor to the Power Adaptor socket marked on the end of the product and to the mains electrical supply. Make sure the cord and Power Adaptor are positioned so that they will not be subjected to damage or stress or present a trip hazard. Only use a Propulse® branded Power Adaptor for product safety. unplug the unit from the power source before attempting to clean it externally.

Purchase the ProPulse Ear Irrigator

HCE-UK are able to provide the ProPulse for a fantastic price, with full warranty and excellent customer service. Please be aware that this product is sold for medical professional use only. See the options below:
 

Combatting Counterfeit Product with 3M™ Littmann®

Counterfeit products are becoming more readily available, whilst being more sophisticated and closer in appearance to the genuine models, this is also true of products in the medical field. With many suppliers selling products online, it can be difficult to detect if you are buying a genuine model.

Generally, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. But how can you be sure the products you are purchasing are authentic, authorised goods?

Littmann® are aiming to combat counterfeit stethoscopes through their Authorised 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope Distributor Programme. Healthcare-equipment are registered to this programme and the Authorized 3M Littmann Stethoscope Distributor’ logo can be seen throughout our website. You can also find us listed on the ‘Where to Buy 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes’ page.

When purchasing a Littmann® branded stethoscope, you expect your device to perform to the highest standards, whilst providing excellent durability. We have been a trusted supplier of Littmann® Stethoscopes for almost 20 years, so you can rest assured that any 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope purchased from HCE-UK will be the genuine article at the best price.

Hillrom unveils new corporate logo and brand identity incorporating Welch Allyn

Global medical technology company Hill-rom Holdings, Inc. have recently announced a global rebrand across their acquired companies as Hillrom™ with an updated brand promise of Advancing Connected Care™.

The company has seen constant growth over the last ten years, continuously acquiring medical technology leaders with innovative products. These include Aspen Surgical, Welch Allyn & Morata (amongst others). During their sustained growth they have continued to keep the names and logos of acquired businesses intact. However, with such a varying portfolio of acquisitions, they have decided it would be easier for customers to understand their full range of products/services by utilising a single name and logo.

To define this new, complete brand they have modernised the Hillrom logo. Depicting the ‘H’ and ‘R’ as ones and zeros (which define our digital world) visualising the companies strong input to connected devices and advanced analytics.

“With our rapid advancements in digital health and connected care, we are extending our physical healthcare environment solutions to the digital space,” said President and CEO John Groetelaars. “We are excited to launch our new brand, which reaffirms our identity and underscores our commitment to the continued transformation of our business.”

The new Hillrom brand brings together the company’s acquisitions and updated focus areas, which help caregivers to:

• Accelerate patient recovery
• Simplify clinical communication and collaboration
• Enable earlier diagnosis and treatment
• Optimize surgical efficiency and safety
• Shift care closer to home

What does this mean for us? 

Your favourite Welch Allyn products will still be available to purchase and the clinically relevant aspects of these products will remain intact. You may notice aesthetical changes such as the new logo and colours, which will be implemented on products and packaging over time. Any product updates will be focused on innovation and safety.