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What’s What – Product Parts

Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions for AlPep LLC UniSUC Products

Important Safety & Liability Disclaimer

These are general guidelines for cleaning AlPep LLC’s reusable UniSUC components. They do not replace professional medical advice, facility infection control policies, or your suction device manual. In clinical, hospital, long-term care, or any non-home settings, always follow your facility’s specific infection control, reprocessing, and cleaning protocols, which may be more stringent than these instructions. Improper cleaning may increase infection risk or damage equipment. AlPep LLC is not liable for any injury, infection, or damage from following or deviating from these instructions. Single-patient use only. Consult a healthcare professional for specific guidance. Always follow your facility’s or provider’s protocols.

General Principles

• UniSUC products are for single-patient use only.
• Replace disposable liners every 8–24 hours (or sooner if soiled).
• Clean reusable parts regularly.
• Wear gloves when handling soiled components.
• Wash hands before/after. Inspect for damage, cracks, discoloration, stiffness, brittleness, or wear before each use. Replace if needed.
• Use only warm water and mild detergent for cleaning.

1. UniSUC Reusable Frame (Dual-Port, Left-Handed, or Right-Handed)

Frequency: Clean between liner changes and disinfect daily or as needed. Replace if stained, clogged, deformed, or degraded.

Steps:

1. Remove and dispose of the used disposable liner.
2. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water to remove visible waste.
3. Wash with mild detergent and warm water, using a soft cloth or brush on all surfaces and internal channels.
4. Rinse completely with clean water.
5. Disinfect (optional but recommended):
   • Soak in a 1:10 bleach solution (1 part household bleach to 10 parts water) for 10 minutes, or
   • Soak in 70% Isopropyl alcohol solution for 10 minutes.
6. Rinse again with clean water (if bleach was used) to remove residue.
7. Air dry completely on a clean surface.
8. Do not store damp.
9. Store in a clean, dry place.
10. Label with patient info if needed.

2. Whisper Suction Machine Pump (Base Unit)

Frequency: Wipe exterior daily or after each use. Do not submerge or pour liquids on the pump.
Note: Never immerse the Whisper suction machine pump in water or any liquid.

Steps:

1. Turn off and unplug the Whisper suction machine.
2. Wipe the exterior of the pump, base, and power cord with a clean, low-lint cloth dampened with warm water and mild detergent to remove any visible soil.
3. For disinfection (optional but recommended):
   • Wipe thoroughly with a clean, low-lint cloth dampened with 70% Isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Allow the solution to remain in contact for a minimum of ten (10) minutes, ensuring the surfaces stay visibly wet.
4. Allow the unit and power cord to air dry completely before plugging in or storing.
5. Inspect the power cord, and vents for cleanliness and damage.
6. Store in a clean, dry place.

3. UniSUC-Whisper 2000 ml/cc Reusable Fluid Collection Canister

Frequency: Empty daily or when full. Clean thoroughly at least weekly during single-patient use.
Note: This canister is for single-patient use only. If the canister appears brittle, cracked, or shows signs of material degradation, replace it before use.

Steps:

1. Turn off the Whisper suction machine and disconnect tubing.
2. Empty contents per biohazard protocols (e.g., into toilet).
3. Remove lid and rinse all parts with warm water.
4. Wash with only warm water and mild detergent; use a soft brush for residue.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
6. Disinfect (optional but recommended) using one of the following methods: Disinfection Method #1: 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
   Fully submerge the canister and lid in 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Allow it to sit for a minimum of ten (10) minutes. Disinfection Method #2: Bleach
   Prepare a disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution, 1%) with 10 parts cool water (1 to 10 ratio). Fully submerge the canister and lid in the diluted disinfecting solution. Allow it to sit for a minimum of forty-five (45) minutes.
7. After disinfection, rinse thoroughly with clean water if bleach was used. Air dry completely.
8. Inspect float valve, seals, ports, and overall canister for brittleness or damage.
9. Reassemble only when fully dry. Ensure the lid is securely fastened, all unused ports are tightly capped, and all connections are airtight to maintain strong suction. Test the system after reassembly.

3. Non-Conductive Suction Tubing (1/4″ ID x 6 ft or 10 ft)

Frequency: Inspect daily. Replace weekly or if soiled, kinked, cracked, or blocked.
Note: This tubing is for single-patient use only.

Steps:

1. Disconnect from frame and canister.
2. Flush with warm soapy water (or run soapy water through using suction if safe).
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
4. Disinfect (optional but recommended) using one of the following methods: Disinfection Method #1: 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
5. Fully submerge the tubing in 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Allow it to soak for a minimum of ten (10) minutes. Flush the IPA through the tubing prior to starting the ten (10) minute soak. Disinfection Method #2: Bleach
   Prepare a disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution, 1%) with 10 parts cool water (1 to 10 ratio). Fully submerge the tubing in the diluted disinfecting solution. Allow it to soak for a minimum of forty-five (45) minutes. Flush the diluted disinfecting solution through the tubing prior to starting the forty-five (45) minute soak.
6. After disinfection, rinse thoroughly with clean water if bleach was used.
7. Hang vertically or lay flat to air dry completely.
8. Inspect for damage or blockages before reuse. Replace as needed.

Additional Tips

• After cleaning and reassembly, always verify that the canister lid, unused port caps, and all tubing connections are secure and airtight before use. Loose connections can significantly reduce suction performance. Test the system with a small amount of water to check for blockages and confirm strong suction.
• Follow standard infection control: clean the perineal area before application.
• Store clean components in a dry, dedicated area away from sunlight.
• For optimal performance, use only genuine AlPep LLC parts.
• Refer to the UniSUC Whisper Setup Video and Troubleshooting Guide on alpepllc.com/resources for visuals.

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