Bivona tracheostomy tube cleaning

Purpose

Clean the tube every time you change it. A clean trach must always be ready and available for a
routine or emergency change.

Supplies needed

• Basin for cleaning
• Sterile water
• Peroxide
• Guide (Obturator)
• Pan for boiling water
• Plastic wedge
• Container and lid
• Zip lock bag

Procedure

1. Mix equal parts of sterile water and peroxide. This is called half-strength peroxide.
2. Wash trach tube with warm tap water and a mild soap such as Ivory® Liquid to clear the secretions, rinse the trach tube with warm tap water. Push the guide through the trach tube to
   remove secretions in the tube.
3. Push the guide through the trach tube to remove secretions in the tube.
4. Soak the tube and guide in the basin of half-strength peroxide for one minute.
5. Fill the pan with tap water and
6. Remove pan from heat.
7. Place the trach tube and the guide in the water.
8. Cover the pan and let the parts soak for 20 minutes.
9. Drain the water. Put the tube and guide on a clean surface to air dry completely.
10. Store all parts in a clean container with a lid or zip lock bag. If you see water droplets, the tube is not completely dry. Take it out and re-clean it. Bacteria will grow if the tube is not
    completely dry.

Special directions

• Check the tube for cracks. Throw it away if it is cracked
• If your child has a cuffed tube, check the cuff for holes or discoloration by gently inflating cuff prior to storing. If holes or discoloration are present, or if the cuff does not re-inflate, throw it
  away. Deflate cuff completely prior to storing clean trach.
• Do not store the trach tube with the guide in the tube.
• Order new trach tubes monthly.
• If your child’s Bivona trach tube has a swivel cap on it, when cleaning:

  - Use the plastic wedge to take the swivel cap off of the adapter.

- Replace the swivel cap. If you do not replace the swivel connector, the manual resuscitator bag and/or ventilator will not fit on the trach tube like it should.

This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.