We were asked this question by infection control in January 2006, so I email Therapy Equipment. And got the response below.
Pipeline Protector (Hydrophobic) Filters
All types of filter whether High, Low or Thoracic should be changed immediately if they become wet or discoloured.
In high usage areas such as Critical Care and ITU it is advised that they are changed every three months. In all other low usage areas such as General wards is advised that they be changed at least annually.
Try the
Therapy Equipment website and look under Jars and liners
We gave our finding to infection control and ICU and still waiting for a reply. I think it is import to follow manufactory recommendation. We use the Abbots suction liner that has a built in hydrophobic filter. So all you need to worry about is the nurse plumbing them in correctly.
A.M
