Finapres Cleaning Instructions - Nova
March 19, 2020
In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak I expect you may have questions about cleaning the Nova and accessories. I wanted to share the following update on cleaning recommendations Finapres service & support provided:
As mentioned in the Manual (Maintenance and Cleaning) the Nova can be cleaned by wiping its surface using a soft, slightly moistened cloth. Cleaning fluid or any liquid should not be sprayed directly onto the device or its units. Detergents or strong chemical agents such as alcohol, refined petrol or thinner should never be used as they can damage the Finapres Nova housing
Together with the Finapres quality department we have changed our cleaning recommendation for the touchscreen of the Nova:
“Clean with a lint free cloth, moistened with warm water (40°C/104°F maximum) and a diluted mild detergent.”
Please note that Nova users can avoid using the touchscreen by adding an USB hub on the back and connect a Keyboard as well as a mouse. Medical keypads and Mouse are on line available, those medical grade keyboards and PC Mouse can be cleaned with a chemical agent. So avoiding using the Touchscreen of the Nova itself.
As a secondary action Finapres have started the procedure to validate multiple disinfectants for use on the Finapres Nova touchscreen and housing. Unfortunately this process will take time, we will inform you on the outcome and validated disinfectants as soon as we can.
Lastly we would like to inform you on the cleaning procedures and products for accessories. Listed below are the recommended cleaning procedures for the Finger Cuffs and ECG. (please note that all these instructions can also be found in the respective manuals)
Finger Cuffs
The finger cuffs could be cleaned after each use by submerging the bladder end in a MidiClean ForteSolution and let the cuff air dry. (do not submerge the connectors or wires)
Alternatively Schulke Mikrozid sensitive wipes or Clinell universal wipes can be used to wipe the inside of the cuff in order to disinfect.
ECG Leads
The ECG leads can be cleaned at least 15 times with the following: green soap, green soap tincture (US Pharmacopeia) or alcohol-free hand soap, 2% glutaraldehyde solution (such as Cidex), sodium hypochlorite (bleach) 10% solution in water.
To clean an ECG lead:
1. Make sure that the ECG lead is disconnected from the Finapres Nova.
2. Dampen a clean cloth or gauze pad with appropriate cleaning solution.
3. Wipe all exposed surfaces.
4. Repeat with a clean, dry cloth or gauze pad.
5. Dry all exposed surfaces with a clean, dry cloth or gauze pad.
In the light of COVID-19, Finapres Medical Systems has successfully tested two new disinfectants for use on the finger cuffs, alongside the current range of approved products. The new cleaning products were chosen based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). The active components, concentration and incubation times are indicated by the WHO for their effectiveness against viruses. We have tested the new cleaning products for the interference with the functionality of the finger cuffs.
In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak I expect you may have questions about cleaning the Nova and accessories. I wanted to share the following update on cleaning recommendations Finapres service & support provided:
As mentioned in the Manual (Maintenance and Cleaning) the Nova can be cleaned by wiping its surface using a soft, slightly moistened cloth. Cleaning fluid or any liquid should not be sprayed directly onto the device or its units. Detergents or strong chemical agents such as alcohol, refined petrol or thinner should never be used as they can damage the Finapres Nova housing
Together with the Finapres quality department we have changed our cleaning recommendation for the touchscreen of the Nova:
“Clean with a lint free cloth, moistened with warm water (40°C/104°F maximum) and a diluted mild detergent.”
Please note that Nova users can avoid using the touchscreen by adding an USB hub on the back and connect a Keyboard as well as a mouse. Medical keypads and Mouse are on line available, those medical grade keyboards and PC Mouse can be cleaned with a chemical agent. So avoiding using the Touchscreen of the Nova itself.
As a secondary action Finapres have started the procedure to validate multiple disinfectants for use on the Finapres Nova touchscreen and housing. Unfortunately this process will take time, we will inform you on the outcome and validated disinfectants as soon as we can.
Lastly we would like to inform you on the cleaning procedures and products for accessories. Listed below are the recommended cleaning procedures for the Finger Cuffs and ECG. (please note that all these instructions can also be found in the respective manuals)
Finger Cuffs
The finger cuffs could be cleaned after each use by submerging the bladder end in a MidiClean ForteSolution and let the cuff air dry. (do not submerge the connectors or wires)
Alternatively Schulke Mikrozid sensitive wipes or Clinell universal wipes can be used to wipe the inside of the cuff in order to disinfect.
ECG Leads
The ECG leads can be cleaned at least 15 times with the following: green soap, green soap tincture (US Pharmacopeia) or alcohol-free hand soap, 2% glutaraldehyde solution (such as Cidex), sodium hypochlorite (bleach) 10% solution in water.
To clean an ECG lead:
1. Make sure that the ECG lead is disconnected from the Finapres Nova.
2. Dampen a clean cloth or gauze pad with appropriate cleaning solution.
3. Wipe all exposed surfaces.
4. Repeat with a clean, dry cloth or gauze pad.
5. Dry all exposed surfaces with a clean, dry cloth or gauze pad.
In the light of COVID-19, Finapres Medical Systems has successfully tested two new disinfectants for use on the finger cuffs, alongside the current range of approved products. The new cleaning products were chosen based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). The active components, concentration and incubation times are indicated by the WHO for their effectiveness against viruses. We have tested the new cleaning products for the interference with the functionality of the finger cuffs.
The following two disinfectants are now approved:
The use of these products in the tested concentration will not lead to damages to the finger cuffs. Overtime, some slight discoloration may occur, especially when the used dosage is higher than the tested dosage.
- Cleaning products based on sodium di-chloro-iso-cyanurate. This was tested with 0.1% active substance, while submerging the bladder for 5 minutes.
- Cleaning products based on sodium hypochlorite. This was tested with 0.1% active substance, while submerging the bladder for 1 minute.
The use of these products in the tested concentration will not lead to damages to the finger cuffs. Overtime, some slight discoloration may occur, especially when the used dosage is higher than the tested dosage.