Hospital surgical operating theatre (OT) lights are one of the most important assets of any hospital. Failure of a procedure can result in a compromise in patient safety, delay in surgery and stress on the surgical team. However, many health care facilities only invest in getting good quality lighting, and forget to invest in proper maintenance. Located in the National High-Tech Development Zone of Nanchang, Nanchang Micare Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. is a high-tech innovative enterprise, focusing on the research and production of long-lasting, high-quality medical lights such as operating shadowless lights, medical examination lights and LED ceiling lights. Here are four practical tips to continue to invest and sustain your surgical career..
Daily Cleaning & Sterilization Procedures
One of the most important tasks to prolong the life of OT lights is cleaning them regularly, preferably on a daily basis. Wipe external surfaces (including the light head and handles) after each surgical session with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive disinfectant that can be used on medical equipment. Avoid the use of harsh solvents, bleach or abrasive pads that can damage the anodized finish of the light or scratch acrylic lenses. Take extra care with the sterilizable handles: If your OT light is fitted with removable handles (as is the case with Micare's surgical lights), take them off after every use and clean them thoroughly as per manufacturers' instructions. There are numerous handles that can be autoclaved or soaked in medical grade disinfectants. Avoid spraying liquids on the light head as water can get inside electronic parts. Rather, clean cloth and apply the cleaning solution to that. Infection control is important and normal cleaning will not only help maintain a hygienic device, but will also prevent dust and protein build-up which can lead to a gradual reduction in light output.
Inspecting Optical Components & Shadow Control
All surgical lights have at their heart the optical system, which comprises the light source LED chips, reflectors and light array lens, that generate shadow-free light. After months of use, dust or surgical residue or unforeseen spills can reduce the amount of light and light control, which can be achieved by using Lux and shadows. Do monthly checks: switch on the light at full illumination and see if there are any dark spots, uneven rings or flickering. Then experiment with the shadow control by placing your hand or surgical instrument in the beam of light. If the OT light isn't maintained properly, it can create a lot of shadows and will need to be moved around a lot more frequently. All the advanced LED modules for use with Micare's operating lights have been sealed to keep water and dust out; however, the lens cover requires periodic cleaning with an anti-static cloth. Avoid disassembling sealed optical assemblies; contact supplier's technical staff if the optical performance to brightness or shadow is considerably reduced after cleaning.
Mechanical & Electrical System Checks
Ceiling hanging surgical OT lights (operating theatre lights) employ a sophisticated, but very reliable mechanical suspension system of arms, spring joints and locking brakes. All of these components are subjected to constant stress in repositioning day-after-day. If any of the following occurs replace every 3 months: The light head squeaks or grinds, the light head will not remain in place without locking in the maneuver, or the light head is stiff when moving. Do not use any regular oils as lubricant, instead use medical grade oil as recommended by the manufacturer for moving components. For electricity, examine power cords for any damage, ensure emergency battery back-up systems (in case they are installed) are charged and check all touch panel or infrared controls. If your hospital is equipped with all the Micare surgical tables, medical headlights and endoscope accessories, it is efficient to organize combined maintenance episodes. In the event of replacing LED bulbs (for older bulbs not LED) ensure that spare bulbs are replaced with certified spare parts; ensure all service dates are recorded.
Preventative Maintenance Scheduling & Staff Training
That's why reactive maintenance (fixing things when they fail) in an OT is so difficult to do, it is expensive and risky. But, use a "proactive preventative maintenance program (PM)". Have a professional technical inspection twice a year (or more frequently if used). This should consist of the Lux output measure, colour temperature check, mechanical torque testing and the electrical safety tests. Numerous hospitals team up with the original manufacturer to provide these services. Examples include Micare Medical Equipment's genuine spare bulbs, technical support and guidance on their aircraft lighting, house medical devices and much more. Additionally, train your OR biomedical and nursing staff on basic care. Most preventable failures are due to simple errors such as hanging heavy pieces on the light arm, or using the wrong cleaning spray. Create a 1 page checklist and place in the OT for quick reference.
Conclusion
If the surgical OT light is good, it can guarantee the reliability of use and stable shadow-free illumination and long use life. Hospitals can minimize downtime and improve patient safety by maintaining daily cleanings, regular check-ups on optical components, quarterly check-ups on mechanical/electrical systems and using a preventative maintenance plan. With the medical light and medical accessory as its high-tech business, Nanchang Micare Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. are dedicated to assisting healthcare facilities to make the most out of their investments. Keep in mind that the optimum time for doing any maintenance is the day you installed the light! This is the second best time.