Frequency of changing suction canisters and suction tubing: a descriptive study.

There is little evidence to suggest the appropriate frequency for changing suction canisters and tubing in the gastroenterology setting. This survey was initiated to determine whether there was a community standard for this issue. A diverse geographic response from attendees at the 2006 Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates revealed that there is no current "standard of practice." Findings were diverse and are reported on the basis of the size of the facility, type of facility, number of endoscopic procedure rooms, and number of endoscopic procedures per month. The majority of respondents (91%) used disposable suction devices. The authors recommend the need for well-designed, systematic studies to determine the appropriate frequency for changing suction canisters and tubing in the endoscopic setting.