How do you clean Mickey bolus extensions ?

liveyourlife747 · Mar 9, 2011

We have one client's parents bleach the tubes (a capful in a basin of water) I've also seen some be put through the dishwasher. Sometimes they just get discolored, that's why they are supposed to be changed weekly (but as we all know in home health, that rarely happens)

ventmommy · Mar 10, 2011

There are some meds that don't do well through the tube like Cipro as well as some colored meds. You can use a syringe to put it directly through the button and then flush through the button. You need a slip tip syringe for this. PM me if your family doesn't have them or can't afford them.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Mar 10, 2011

I used to have a client that used to have the vitamins stain the extension . Always used to flush the extension after use then the mom used to soak it in a milk soap bleach solution and clean it. It DID get changed weekly though. The mom lived through her child so in the household the childs needs were met but no one elses. Kinda sad in a way

systoly · Mar 10, 2011

There are some meds that don't do well through the tube like Cipro as well as some colored meds. You can use a syringe to put it directly through the button and then flush through the button. You need a slip tip syringe for this. PM me if your family doesn't have them or can't afford them.

I'm checking my skull for evidence of lobotomy. We have plenty of 10 ml slip tips, but a bus could have hit me before I'd have thought of that. Thank you so much and thank you to the other reponders.

ventmommy · Mar 12, 2011

I'm checking my skull for evidence of lobotomy. We have plenty of 10 ml slip tips, but a bus could have hit me before I'd have thought of that. Thank you so much and thank you to the other reponders.

HAHA! That is why these boards are so great when it comes to sharing info and tips!

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · May 20, 2011

Patient started on new Rx which discolors bolus extension set. So far I've tried pipe cleaner - too short, vinegar/h2o soak, cola soak, dishwasher - all to no avail. Any suggestions?

We change the extension every week, but wash the extension every day. What I have done with anything that could discolor the extension was to use a syringe directly into the button. If the bolus was not seriously discoloring, I would flush the tube before and after then disconnect the extension and run water through it from the faucet. After the residue is flushed, I add an ounce of liquid dish soap and let water run through via gravity. I finish with flushing it again with water for about 3-4 minutes and air dry.

Amanda831 · Jun 9, 2011

Talk to the family...maybe those meds can be dispensed as a liquid form instead.