CMS SOM App. H, Tag V116

Items taken into the dialysis station should either be disposed of, dedicated for use only on

a single patient, or cleaned and disinfected before being taken to a common clean area or

used on another patient.

-- Non-disposable items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected (e.g., adhesive tape, cloth

covered blood pressure cuffs) should be dedicated for use only on a single patient.

-- Unused medications (including multiple dose vials containing diluents) or supplies

(syringes, alcohol swabs, etc.) taken to the patient’s station should be used only for that

patient and should not be returned to a common clean area or used on other patients.

Interpretive Guidance § 494.30(a)(1)(i)

According to the CDC, any item taken to a patient’s dialysis station could become contaminated

with blood and other bodily fluids, serving as a vehicle of transmission to other patients either

directly or through contamination from personnel's hands. Items taken to a patient’s dialysis

station include those placed on the top or sides (in baskets) of dialysis machines and on dialysis

chairs.

After use, all equipment and supplies must be considered potentially blood-contaminated and

should be separated, handled with caution, and either disinfected or discarded. If provided,

linens should be removed after use, separated from clean items, and laundered. If blood pressure

cuffs are used for multiple patients, the coverings must be disposable or able to be adequately

disinfected.

If the facility provides linens or blankets for patient use, these items should be considered

potentially contaminated with blood. If patients bring their own blankets, pillows, etc., they

should be instructed to wash the linen they bring to treatment and use bleach to remove blood

stains.

If the facility provides portable or cellular phones, remote controls, or individual televisions for

patient use during treatment, these items must be properly cleaned and disinfected before use by

another patient.