Non-Ventilated Patients 1. The amount of ribavirin crystals dispersed into the general environment depends on the particular method of delivery. The method chosen should expose the smallest surface area to potential contamination while allowing for the optimal delivery of nursing care, patient treatment and comfort. Only the necessary amount of supplies are to be taken into the room and these are to be stored as far as possible from the bedside to decrease the amount of ribavirin crystals on the surfaces. The same guidelines apply to the patient's belongings.
All equipment is to be thoroughly cleaned before being taken out of the room.
Any cleaning solution is usually adequate as ribavirin is water-soluble. Environmental Services is to ensure that items used to clean the room are disposed of or thoroughly rinsed of ribavirin before use in another area. It is recommended that these rooms be cleaned last. Meals are to be on the disposable isolation trays. Trash is to be double-bagged.