Oxygen Christmas Tree new guideline?

[Stephanie532]

Has anyone heard there has been a new Joint Commission recommendation regarding single use O2 Christmas Tree adapters? I know it's been a hot topic, but I was recently informed there was a new recommendation but haven't been able to find anything in writing.

I know that it's based on mfg guidelines etc, but would like to know if a new standard has been published. Thanks in advance!

[cleback]

Yes, imho, it's stupid, splitting hairs type stuff. Some brands are only approved for single use and others can be cleaned and used for multiple patients. I imagine there's nothing magically different between brands. Probably just boils down to what they sought approval for.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yes, imho, it's stupid, splitting hairs type stuff. Some brands are only approved for single use and others can be cleaned and used for multiple patients. I imagine there's nothing magically different between brands. Probably just boils down to what they sought approval for.

Exactly that. TJC is not going to publish specific recommendation on it. It falls under their "all equipment is used per manufacturer's instructions" recommendation. The companies that make the green plastic trees have NOT specified that it can be used for multiple patients, therefore it defaults to single user use.

Our facility has switched to the metal Christmas trees that can be wiped down between uses.

[Adrienne Dreyfus]

I have looked everywhere for at least one single evidence based article that shows bacterial colonization on plastic "christmas trees". I have found nothing. Of course all the manufacturers are putting "single use" on the product. It makes them more money to use them on just one patient. It amazes me that hospitals across the country are enforcing this practice yet no studies are giving us the facts.

Our product does say the green nipple connectors can be disinfected up to 30 times between patients. But we don't.