Caring for your GIPskins

Our guide to keeping your GIPskins PPE clean and maintained

GIPskins PPE should be wiped down between patients with adequate cleaning wipes. Then, ideally but not necessarily, wiped with a damp tissue to reduce chemical build up. At the end of a shift GIPskins should be rinsed in appropriate strength disinfectant and then rinsed in clean water. Damp down with paper towels and leave to dry.

Once dry, the fabric will return to its original shape and form.

Appropriate strength (dependent on your environment) cleaning wipes can be used to clean your GIPskins PPE.

Do not leave your GIPskins PPE in a wet condition, especially with chemical contact. The product will become more susceptible to damage through abrasion and strikethrough.

Always dry the GIPskins PPE sleeve thoroughly after using to ensure any material swelling has gone down before reusing them.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chemical cleaning agents.

Do I have to wear disposable gloves with my GIPskins PPE?

Yes, always wear your GIPskin PPE with disposable gloves. Exceptions are made for non infection controlled environments e.g. educational settings for those with challenging behaviour but who do not present as an infection risk. In these environments you may want to disguise your GIPskin PPE by not having it around the hand. In this situation just tuck the hand section inside and your GIPskins PPE will look like sleeves.

I've just received my GIPskin PPE. What should I do first?

1. Remove contents from packaging. Your delivery will contain 2 x GIPskin PPE sleeves and 1 x waterproof pouch. Your waterproof pouch is for storing your GIPskins PPE in.

2. Your waterproof pouch has a D–ring, which you can attach it to a utility belt or bag, etc.

3. Do take a minute to examine your GIPskins PPE, to ensure you are completely satisfied with them.

4. Check you have the correct size GIPskins PPE. You can do this by making sure both GIPskin PPE sleeves have the same letter to them. The letter is located just under the logo, which is present on each GIPskin PPE sleeve.

Please see size chart to ensure you have ordered and received the correct size.

5. Try on your GIPskins PPE, making sure each GIPskins PPE is worn on the correct arm. The logo will be on the outside of the sleeve and the seam should be in line with your little finger.

Note: Your GIPskins should not be tight on your bicep!

How should I clean my GIPskins PPE between caring for patients / service users?

When you have finished with each patient, please follow this procedure:

Wipe your GIPskins PPE down thoroughly from top to bottom whilst they are still on your arms. Use an appropriate cleaning agent, as advised by your workplace. Keep your gloves on whilst doing so.
Make sure you are using approved cleaning agents (strength-appropriate). Refer to your workplace for guidance.
Remove and discard your gloves and then wipe your GIPskins PPE down again, this time all the way to the hand; ensuring you clean the back, front and side of hand portions.
Dry your GIPskins PPE with a disposable paper towel.

How should I clean my GIPskins PPE after bathing or showering patients / service users?

When you have finished bathing your patient, please follow this procedure:

Wipe your GIPskins PPE down thoroughly from top to bottom whilst they are still on your arms. Use an appropriate cleaning agent, as advised by your workplace. Keep your gloves on whilst doing so.
Make sure you are using approved cleaning agents (strength-appropriate). Refer to your workplace for guidance.
Remove and discard your gloves and then wipe your GIPskins PPE down again, this time all the way to the hand; ensuring you clean the back, front and side of hand portions.
Dry your GIPskins PPE with a disposable paper towel.
Ensure you dry your GIPskins PPE thoroughly with paper towels before you place your GIPskins PPE back into their Pouch. If possible allow your GIPskins PPE to air.

Can GIPskins PPE be washed in a washing machine?

Can they be tumbled dried?

How do I remove my GIPskins PPE after use?

GIPskins Cleaning and Decontamination

There are a vast number of cleaning and disinfection systems on the market, and while many are compatible with GIPskins PPE (Using Dartex Coatings’ fabrics), some are not.

The following is a summary of the different cleaning and disinfecting methods discussed in the CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilisation in Healthcare facilities, 2008, and in the, MHRA MAC Manual, and comments regarding the impact these methods have on GIPskins’ fabric.

Decontamination/Sterilisation: Must be applied only on cleaned surfaces and thoroughly rinsed afterwards.

We recommend that products are rinsed with clean water after cleaning or disinfecting

To prevent build-up of residual cleaning chemicals which may compromise GIPskins PPE biocompatibility.
To prevent build-up of residual cleaning chemicals, leading to cleaning with a higher concentration than recommended and possibly damaging the cover.
To prevent the formation of abrasive crystals that can abrade the product surface both in use and in subsequent cleaning.
Products should be thoroughly dried before returning to use or being placed in storage. This is because the cleaning and rinsing process swells the polyurethane coating, making it more susceptible to physical damage.

Please note that disinfectants should be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid breaches of FIFRA. (The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act)

Note: GIPskins are classified as “non-critical” under the CDC guidelines, as they are not placed in vivo or in prolonged contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes.

Cleaning:

Ref: MAC Manual June 2006 part 3 p33/37

This recommends that GIPskins PPE are regularly cleaned “as part of a routine and following patient use. Rinsed thoroughly and dry. GIPskins PPE should be enclosed in a waterproof cover and routinely inspected for damage”. See also p36.

Cleaning may be effected either by mechanical means at 71 degrees C to 95 degrees C dependent upon Dartex product type, or by using a manual wiping process. A neutral detergent is suitable for this task and the Cleaning (manual) – non-immersion section (MAC Part 2 p20) describes the full method.

Alcohol, if allowed to ‘pool’, may result in temporary swelling of the cover making it more prone to mechanical damage.