How to Clean Your Fistula Clamps after Dialysis Information for patients and families UHN After each dialysis treatment: 1. Find a reusable container with a tight fitting lid. It should be big enough to fit your fistula clamps and at least 1 litre of water. 2. Fill the container with 1 litre of fresh tap water. Add about 1 tablespoon of bleach (for example, Javex®). This makes the cleaning solution. 3. Rinse or wash your clamps well under running water to remove any blood. 4. Put your clamps in the container. They should be completely covered by the cleaning solution. 5. Put the lid on the container and let the clamps soak for at least 20 minutes. Use a timer to help you remember. • Don’t let them soak longer than 60 minutes. The cleaning solution may rust the metal on the clamps and cause them to break. • Don’t put other items in with the clamps. 6. Remove clamps and rinse with running tap water. Fistula clamps 7. Place clamps on a clean towel in a clean area. Let them dry completely. 8. Store your clamps in a plastic bag between dialysis treatments. 9. Empty the cleaning solution from the container. Don’t reuse the cleaning solution. Rinse the container. Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca © 2013 University Health Network. All rights reserved. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only. Author: Debra Appleton; Reviewed by Hemoquality Committee Created: 05/2006 Form: D-5350 (02/2014)