How do you clean a nitrous oxide unit after a patient with chronic hepatitis C has used it?
Following the concept of universal precautions, process the unit as recommended for all patients. The use of an intermediate-level or low-level disinfectant (depending upon the degree of contamination) after cleansing should be adequate. Some nitrous oxide masks are intended to withstand heat sterilization processes and may be sterilized. Single use disposable nitrous masks should be discarded.
