How to Clean Laryngoscopes

A laryngoscope is a medical instrument used for looking at the vocal chords and glottis, which are the spaces between the vocal chords. There are many types of laryngoscopes, with the most common being a rigid laryngoscope that is used by anesthesiologists when intubation is needed. Each laryngoscope holds batteries for a light inside the handle as well as a blade. These scopes are also used by otolaryngologists during endoscope procedures or surgery. Due to its uses in the medical field, a laryngoscope requires proper cleaning.

Things You'll Need

• Deep pan of warm water with antibacterial soap
• Old toothbrush
• Bottle of rubbing alcohol
• Pan large enough to immerse entire laryngoscope
• Wash cloth
• Drying towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Lay the wash cloth down into the pan of water with three to five drops of antibacterial soap. Agitate the water with the rag to create suds.

• 2

  Remove the batteries and light from the handle and lay the entire laryngoscope down into the water to soak.

• 3

  Allow the laryngoscope to sit in the pan for two minutes, and then use the old toothbrush to scrub the blade clean.

• 4

  Use the wash cloth to go over the handle and electrical contacts on the bottom of the blade and handle, and wipe off any secretions from the seams of the scope.

• 5

  Remove the laryngoscope from the soapy water.

• 6

  Fill the other pan with the bottle of rubbing alcohol and set the laryngoscope into the pan, completely immersed. Allow this to soak for one hour before removing.

• 7

  Remove and lay the laryngoscope on the drying towel to completely dry.