It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems likely to behave like other coronaviruses. A recent review of the survival of human coronaviruses on surfaces found large variability, ranging from 2 hours to 9 days. The survival time depends on a number of factors, including the type of surface, temperature, relative humidity, and specific strain of the virus. The same review also found that effective inactivation could be achieved within 1 minute using common disinfectants, such as 70% ethanol or sodium hypochlorite (for details, see Cleaning practices).
Water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the COVID-19 virus: interim guidance
World Health Organization Report
Personal protective equipment and frequent hand hygiene using appropriate techniques are not enough today to effectively limit the spread of the virus. When someone coughs or sneezes, exhaled airborne aerosol droplets can settle on nearby equipment, desks and devices. Therefore, the virus can be infected by touching infected surfaces or objects followed by touching the eyes, mouth or nose.
The World Health Organization (WHO) pays special attention to maintaining hygiene of flat surfaces, devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers. This especially applies to medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics and private practices. Appropriate preparation of ophthalmic practice is not a one-time activity. Take care of the surface and equipment hygiene regularly.
In accordance with local government agency recommendations, the use of face coverings to reduce the spread of disease via exhaled airborne aerosol droplets should be used during patient’s examination. FREY recommends strict observation of local and national authorities mandated cleaning and disinfection practices.
Between each patient examination, all patient and clinician interface surfaces of FREY devices, excluding AP Perimeter’s bowl, should be cleaned and disinfected using isopropyl alcohol ≥ 70% solution (IPA). FREY recommend wearing disposable gloves at all times to clean and disinfect.
FREY team has prepared special guidelines on how to effectively and safely for personnel clean devices manufactured by FREY.
PERIMETERS DISINFECTION
PERIMETERS BOWL DISINFECTION:
FREY Automated Perimeter Bowl can be disinfected, if necessary.
However only with:
Do NOT use of UV-C light to sanitize the measurement bowl.
FREY RECOMMENDS SPECIAL ATTENTION CLEANING AND DISINFECTION TO THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS:
SLIT LAMP DISINFECTION:
• Patient should wear face covering mask to reduce the spread of disease.
• Clean and disinfect Slit Lamp components that come in contact with patient between each patient examination.
• FREY Slit Lamp surface can be cleaned and disinfected with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) ≥ 70% solution.
• Atomizer sprayer is necessary.
• Spray until the surface appears wet.
• Any drips should be gently wiped using single-use cloth towel.
• In case of cleaning any optical elements, it is necessary to use special optics dedicated material.
• Do NOT use of UV-C light to sanitize the device.
FREY RECOMMENDS SPECIAL ATTENTION CLEANING AND DISINFECTION TO THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS:
NON-CONTACT TONOMETER DISINFECTION:
In case of cleaning any optical elements, it is necessary to use special optics dedicated material.
FREY RECOMMENDS SPECIAL ATTENTION CLEANING AND DISINFECTION TO THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS: