(11) Carefully, place the thermometer in the oblong basin. Do not drop the
thermometer or splash the disinfecting solution.
(12) Repeat these procedures until all of the thermometers have been placed
in the basin to soak. As you put the thermometers in the basin, place the thermometers
so that the bulbs all point in the same direction.
d. Disinfect Thermometers. After all of the thermometers have been placed in
the basin, make sure that the thermometers are completely covered by the disinfecting
solution. Add additional solution if necessary. Then cover the basin and allow the
thermometers to soak in the disinfecting solution for the proper amount of time. The
amount of time may vary depending upon the solution used, but they must soak for at
least 30 minutes. Check your local SOP for the time that the thermometers are to be
left in the solution.
e. Clean Thermometer Containers. While the thermometers are soaking in
the disinfecting solution, clean the two thermometer containers.
(1) Wipe the inside and outside of one container with the gauze pads that
were soaked in the soapy (or germicide) solution.
(2)
Drop the used pads into the waste container.
(3)
Rinse the container with hot water.
(4)
Dry the holder with a paper towel.
(5)
Drop the paper towel into the waste container.
(6) Check the label on the container (the "clean" label or "used" label) to
ensure that it is still in place.
(7)
Put the container back in the thermometer tray.
(8)
Repeat the above steps to clean the second container.
(9)
Fill the container marked "used" two-thirds full with cool water.
f. Wash Hands. Perform a patient care hand wash.
MD0531
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