--- title: Three Best Practices for Portable Suction Machine Maintenance description: Like any piece of equipment, portable suction machines must be properly maintained. These best practices will help ensure your unit is ready when you need it. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-176889537.jpg --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [Three Best Practices for Portable Suction Machine Maintenance](https://blog.sscor.com/three-best-practices-for-portable-suction-machine-maintenance) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Jul 27, 2016 4:30:00 AM 2 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/three-best-practices-for-portable-suction-machine-maintenance#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/three-best-practices-for-portable-suction-machine-maintenance#) 0 ![Three Best Practices for Portable Suction Machine Maintenance](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-176889537.jpg?width=700&name=rsz_gettyimages-176889537.jpg "Three Best Practices for Portable Suction Machine Maintenance") Today’s emergency responders have a wealth of technology available to them, enabling them to provide the highest level of service to their patients. Cardiac monitors not only assess heart rhythms and rates, but also gauge a patient’s blood pressure and oxygen saturation; airway adjuncts that can administer 100% oxygen to those suffering from trauma or hypoxia; and an array of medications to treat just about any type of medical emergency. And chief among those imperative lifesaving tools are [portable suction units](https://www.sscor.com/EMS_suction_products.html). These modern machines are lightweight, powerful, and effective for removing everything from blood to vomit to foreign bodies. But like any piece of equipment, it is your responsibility to keep it properly maintained. So here are three best practices for ensuring your unit will be ready when you need it: ## Keep It Ready Most portable suction units rely on [battery power](https://www.sscor.com/quickdraw_handheld_suction_OPTIONS.html), so be sure your batteries are up to the challenge. Here are a few tips: - Always check your batteries at the beginning of each shift and after each use - Test your batteries every few months (manufacturer’s guidelines) and replace if necessary - Be sure the power cord is attached and check indicator lights - Disconnect the unit from the power cord - Turn the unit on and test for a vacuum by occluding the canister - Run the unit for fifteen minutes, monitoring the battery indicator lights - If the lights indicate low power, it may be time to [replace the batteries](https://blog.sscor.com/purchasing-replacement-batteries-for-your-portable-suctiondevice) - Turn unit off and recharge the batteries so the unit is ready to go - Ensure that all parts of the unit are attached and in good working condition ## Keep It Clean Portable suction units are inherently at risk for transmitting dangerous pathogens. It is your job to ensure your unit is [kept free of harmful contagions](https://blog.sscor.com/the-routine-maintenance-you-should-be-performing-on-your-suction-equipment). Here are a few reminders:   - Sanitize the unit after each use - Never reuse disposable parts, including the canister, patient tubing, and [catheters](https://www.sscor.com/HI-D_big_stick_suction_tip-EMS.html). - Always dispose of biohazardous materials properly - Use a mild detergent to clean the unit, preferably a mixture of bleach and water (1 part bleach/10 parts water) - To disinfect the mechanics of the unit, refer to manufacturer guidelines - Never submerge your suction unit – it will damage the electronics ## Keep It Close No matter how well you maintain your equipment, it is no good to you if you leave it sitting on the truck. Here are a few things to keep in mind:   - ALWAYS have your [portable suction unit](https://www.sscor.com/S-SCORT_III_suction_unit.html) on hand for any potential respiratory emergency, including: - Cardiac - Trauma - Pediatrics - Decreased LOC - Choose a unit that is portable, powerful, and reliable - Be familiar with your unit For today’s emergency responders, the tools and technology have never been as advanced and the potential to save lives, never greater. Your portable suction unit is a key weapon in your medical arsenal, so make sure it is ready, clean, and close at hand.   [![aspirator_test_kit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/f4359982-7fde-45f6-9fbd-4dacbdfce8cf.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/f4359982-7fde-45f6-9fbd-4dacbdfce8cf) Topics: [Portable suction for hospitals](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/portable-suction-for-hospitals), [Handheld portable suction](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/handheld-portable-suction) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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