SJH Emergency Medicine
From 1 April 2025 the way we clean and disinfect the McGrath Mac Video-Laryngoscope is changing. This update is based on a device-specific risk assessment, which has been approved by airway leads across Anaesthetics, ICU, and ED, as well as the Acute Clinical Management Team and the Pan Lothian Infection Control Committee.
What is changing?
Tristel 3 wipes will no longer be used to decontaminate the McGrath Mac Video-Laryngoscope device. Clinell surface disinfectant wipes (Green Clinell Wipes) should be used to complete cleaning and low level disinfection of the device - including handle, blade and battery compartment.
It is important that we can continue to track the use of the McGrath Mac Video-Laryngoscope and proide assurance that decontamination has been carried out to the required standard. To do this, we are introducing a new system to replace the previous logbook used with the Tristel system. In the Emergency Departments we will use stickers. These can be found on the intranet by clicking the link: Decontamination of reusable medical devices
Why is it changing?
The use of McGrath Mac Video-Laryngoscopes is considered best practice and has been shown in evidence to improve patient safety/patient outcomes as part of airway management.
It was identified that the cleaning methodology for the McGrath Mac Video-Laryngoscope was a potential barrier to use of this equipment.
The existing procedure was introduced in response to a Medical Device Alert issued in 2011 following a serious patient infection and death associated with a contaminated laryngoscope handle. This alert pre-dated the availability of McGrath Mac Video-Laryngoscopes and involved equipment with a different design which was difficult to clean.
All staff who use or are responsible for the use or management of McGrath Mac Video-Laryngoscopes must read the updated SOP before implementing the changes to decontamination and tracking practices: Decontamination of reusable medical devices
This change of decontamination product and method does not apply to any other reusable medical device.
Staff should contact the Decontamination Lead Advisor or Infection Prevention and Control Team to discuss decontamination product or procedures relating to any new or existing equipment.