ENT Workstation Uses and Daily Routine: How Nurses and Doctors Operate the Station

ENT treatment unit functions: what is on the station

A typical ENT treatment unit combines a function column with a medication sprayer, a hose rinsing system, ear irrigation and suction, plus holders for instruments and light sources. On the ATMOS C 21 / C 31 Economy, each function starts automatically when its handle is lifted from the holder, and the suction canister can be reusable or disposable.

Modular stations can also take visualisation devices, and an ENT workstation with microscope is common in practices that perform otological work. The ENT diagnostics package of the C 21 / C 31 can include rhinomanometry, sonography, tympanometry and caloric testing, depending on configuration.

Start-up and checks before the first patient

Before the first patient, check that the unit is connected to power, the canister is fitted and empty, the bacterial filter is in place and the tubing is attached. Lift the suction handle to confirm that suction starts, and briefly test the spray and irrigation handles over a basin. Check that medication and irrigation reservoirs are filled with the correct, in-date liquids.

Switch on light sources and any camera or microscope and check the image. Lay out clean instruments in the clean zone of the station: on the S 61 CORIAN, clean and used instruments are kept strictly separate. If anything fails, tag the unit out of use and report it according to your policy.

Run the check in the same order every morning and record it on a short log sheet. A consistent routine is the easiest way to notice a weak vacuum, a clogged spray tip or a low reservoir before a patient is in the chair.

• Power connected, canister and filter fitted.
• Suction, spray and irrigation tested.
• Reservoirs filled with the correct liquids.
• Light source, camera and microscope checked.

Using suction, spray and the ear irrigation unit

For suction, lift the handle, attach a clean single-use suction tip or sterilised reusable tip, and use the lowest effective vacuum. Return the handle to its holder when finished so the function stops. Use the spray handle only with the medication and tip ordered by the doctor. Change tips between patients.

The ear irrigation unit uses a controlled flow of liquid, and the temperature and pressure of irrigation are set by the doctor according to protocol. The nurse prepares the basin, drapes the patient and monitors comfort. Dispose of used liquids and tips into the correct waste route, and wipe handles and surfaces between patients with an approved disinfectant.

Keep patient communication in mind: explain that suction and irrigation can be loud or cold, and give the patient a signal for stopping. Noise levels are lower on units with silent LED light modules, but a warning still helps.

End-of-day routine and specifications to remember

At the end of the day, empty and process the canister, run the hose rinsing function if your unit has one, replace single-use parts, clean and disinfect surfaces and refill reservoirs for the next day. Record any problems. A weekly check of filters and a scheduled service keep the unit reliable; see our maintenance service.

For reference, the published data for the C 21 / C 31 Economy include a suction capacity of 55 l/min, pressure of 2 bar and a weight of 128 kg. The S 61 CORIAN lists 300 kg for the complete version with the same 55 l/min and 2 bar. More about the category is in our ENT treatment unit guide.

If a function seems weak, check the simplest causes first: loose tubing, a full canister, a wet filter or an empty reservoir, before calling for service.

Training for your staff

Beckfinity offers handover training for ATMOS ENT stations in the UAE. Ask for a session for your nurses and doctors through the contact page.