Your question was: Should I clean bands or tubing between patient uses?
Our experts said: We are not aware of any studies that have evaluated the transfer of bacteria through elastic resistance products. Repetitive application of disinfectants to elastic resistance exercise products will damage the product; this process can change physical properties and cause premature deterioration and failure of the product.
Bands or tubing can be used once and disposed, or they can be dispensed per patient. Thera-Band® Dispenser Packs of resistance bands, where each band is supplied individually wrapped in a sealed polybag with bar code that contains safety and latex advisory information, is designed to be sold to the patient for less than $6-$8. Although these bands are not supplied sterile or disinfected, they offer each patient a new band, professionally presented (not cut off a roll), and dedicated to that patient.
An alternative infection control measure is to attach bands and tubing to Thera-Band exercise handles, which can then be cleaned between patient uses. Simply remove and discard the foam covering from the handle and clean with soap and water or apply disinfectant the handle between patients.
Also consider the Thera-Band Tubing with hard PVC handles. These rigid handles are also easily cleaned with warm soap and water or disinfectant. Be sure that any disinfectant product does not get on the elastic resistance produt.