Properly maintaining your Endocart® can help alleviate a number of things that may cause issues in the future. By following proper maintenance protocols, you can expect the following:

  1. Decreased and/or unnecessary expenses on replacement parts (such as batteries, casters, and framework)
  2. Minimal to no metal corrosion
  3. Less chance of spreading infection among patients & staff

The three most important things to keep in mind are weight capacity, sanitization, and battery life (battery for Motorized cart only).

Total Scope's line of Endocarts

Weight Capacity & Casters

When it comes to weight capacity, you should not exceed 450 lbs of equipment for the motorized and deluxe carts. For the standard cart, you should not exceed 350 lbs of equipment. Exceeding these weight limits could cause the casters to bend, thus causing issues when traveling with the cart.

Sometimes, damage to the casters is caused unintentionally when traveling from floor to floor. For example, you should be cautious when entering an elevator. If a caster accidentally gets stuck in the gap between the shaft and the elevator cab, and you continue to push forward, you increase the chances of bending the caster; therefore, making it more difficult to maneuver and resulting in having to purchase a new one, if not under warranty.

Sanitization

Properly sanitizing your cart after each use is important for three reasons:

  1. Reduces the spread of infection for both patients and staff
  2. Reduces metal corrosion
  3. Reduces oxidation to plastic surfaces

Choosing the Correct Cleaning Products

Thorough, effective cleaning of equipment reduces the possibility of viruses spreading between patients and staff. But keep in mind that using harmful cleaners can cause metal corrosion (rust).

To help prevent your cart from accelerated wear or tear and metal corrosion, you must make sure to use the correct disinfectants and cleaners. When selecting a cleaning product, you want to make sure it doesn’t contain harmful elements that could be detrimental to any parts of your cart.

A non-ammonia-based, medical-grade surface cleaner may be used for cleaning the cart surface. Never use bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution), or aggressive solvents like acetone or ketone as a disinfectant or cleaner on the cart.  Bleach is corrosive to metals and will cause oxidation to plastic surfaces. In house, we use Virex Tb which is a disinfectant cleaner with an extremely small amount of ammonium chlorides that works well.

Tips for Cleaning a Motorized Cart

  • Always remember to turn off the power switch and ensure the cart is unplugged before cleaning.
  • Care should be taken around electrical components – do not spray or otherwise inject cleaning fluids into electrical openings or vents.

Battery Life (For Motorized Carts Only)

Charging of the batteries is periodically required. Charging can only be accomplished when the cart is stationary and connected to a standard wall outlet.

All batteries have a finite life and eventually will need replacing. The life expectancy will vary depending upon many user factors such as the severity of use, the discharge of batteries between charges, control settings, temperatures, and drawdown currents. Refer to the Service Manual or contact Endocart Service for replacement batteries when required.

How to Determine Battery Levels & Charge the Battery

motorized endoscopy cart battery indicatorTurn the power switch on and the battery indicator display on the operator console will illuminate and show the level of battery charge.

The charge level is indicated by a bar graph proceeding from right to left. A full charge is indicated by the bar graph illuminated completely to the right. As the battery discharges, the bar will move left, and when charging is required, it will flash in the leftmost position.

Be advised that you should NOT wait until the fuel gauge is flashing to charge the battery. Although the charger has an automatic shut-off to prevent overcharging, it is recommended that you don’t leave the cart plugged in for more than 24 hours. Oftentimes, customers will use the cart for the day and then charge overnight so it will be ready to go the next day.

Note: Power mode is not recommended if the charge is below 50%. Optimum performance is when the cart is fully charged.

Tips for Charging Batteries

  • Ensure the powered cart is off and the cart casters are locked to avoid movement of the cart, or alternately, ensure the powered cart drive wheel is in contact with the ground.
  • Do not operate the cart while it is in charging mode and connected to the wall outlet.
  • It is recommended to not leave the cart plugged in for more than 24 hours.
  • Once the charge is fully charged, unplug the power strip from the wall before operating.
  • Always remember to make sure you turn off the power switch when not in use.

Get Peace of Mind With Total Scope, Inc.

If you purchase an Endocart® product from us, we offer a number of warranty options to give you some extra peace of mind. Plus, when you work with Total Scope, you’re dealing directly with the manufacturer, which means we can provide repair services and replacement parts as needed.

If you are in search of new endoscope carts or want advice on how to maintain your current carts, don’t hesitate to contact us or request a quote for a custom cart. All of our Endocart® products are made in the USA and can be customized to fit your needs.

Posted In: Blog