
This article, written by VATA, Inc., provides essential recommendations on how to clean and take proper care of healthcare simulation equipment. By following these best practices, you can ensure your VATA models remain in optimal condition for training and educational purposes. Read on to learn about the materials used in these models and specific cleaning instructions tailored to each product type.
Overview of Materials
VATA models and trainers are designed with realistic materials that replicate the look and feel of human tissues. These materials require specific care to maintain their functionality and durability. Below is a quick overview of the materials used:
- Rigid, Fiber-Glass Material: Found in Chester Chest’s body and arm.
- Soft, Tissue-Like Material: Used in Chester Chest’s Outer Tissue Flap and Inserts.
- Dermalike II™ Material: A specially formulated, tissue-like material used across all ultrasound models and Venipuncture Training Aids.
- Firmer, Tissue-Like Material: Allows dressings to adhere easily and is used in most wound care models, such as Seymour, Wilma, Vinnie, Pat, and Annie.
General Care and Cleaning Guidelines
While most care instructions are consistent across models, some variations apply based on the materials used. Here are general tips:
- Avoid Using Auto Wax: Auto wax should only be applied to rigid, fiber-glass materials like Chester Chest’s body and arm.
- Uniform Care Instructions: Light and dark-pigmented models follow the same cleaning process.
Cleaning Instructions by Model Type
Chester Chest’s Body and Arm (Models 2400/2402, 2410/2412)
- Remove Dressings: Always remove dressings after use and before cleaning or storing.
- Light Cleaning: Use soap and water or isopropyl alcohol.
- Adhesive Buildup:
- Use Goo Gone or a similar adhesive remover.
- Steps:
- Soak a paper towel with Goo Gone and place it on the adhesive for 5+ minutes.
- Rub clean and repeat until adhesive is removed.
- Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any oily residue.
- Auto Wax Application:
- Apply a light layer of general-purpose auto wax to the body and arm ONLY.
- Avoid applying it to the chest tissue flap.
- Buff the wax, wipe clean, and repeat as needed.
- Follow with an alcohol wipe and let it dry completely before storing.
Ultrasound Models, Venipuncture Training Aids and Tissue Flap (Various Models)
- Light Cleaning: Use soap and water.
- Stubborn Dirt: Use isopropyl alcohol.
- Powder Application:
- Once dry, apply baby powder or cornstarch.
- Wipe off excess.
- Temperature Warning: Do not expose these models to temperatures above 100°F.
- Storage: Ensure the model is completely dry before storing.
Wound Care Models (Various Models)
- Remove Dressings: Remove all dressings before cleaning or storing.
- Light Cleaning: Use soap and water or isopropyl alcohol.
- Adhesive Buildup:
- Use Goo Gone following the steps outlined above.
Models with Fluid (Various Models)
- Drain Models: After each use, drain all fluid, including blood reservoir bags.
- Flush Tubing:
- Use saline or isopropyl alcohol to flush all tubing.
- Air dry completely for one to two days before storing.
Conclusion
By adhering to these care and cleaning practices, you can extend the lifespan of your VATA simulation equipment and maintain its high-quality performance for years to come. Proper care ensures your models remain valuable tools in healthcare training and education.
You can also visit our page to know more about VATA simulators in more details: https://bmec.asia/vata-inc
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VATA, Inc.