The ultrasound cleaning & disinfection processes are critical operations in our efforts to keep our healthcare safe and affordable. The following guidelines will help you see clearer
Guidelines for Cleaning your Ultrasound Transducer
The cleaning of the ultrasonic transducer is the first step for proper disinfection. In fact, organic and inorganic material that remains on the surface of the instrument interferes with the effectiveness of the disinfection process.
Before disinfecting, make sure to:
- Remove the cover and/or the biopsy needle guide from the transducer
- Clean the probe by using a soft cloth or tissue: Be sure to remove all the soil and debris (gel or other fluids)
- Rinse the probe with clear water
- Dry with a soft cloth
- Visually inspect the ultrasound probe
If soil remains, repeat until the transducer is clean. When the probe is clean, you may start the disinfection
Guidelines for the Disinfection of your Instrument
Now that your ultrasound probe is clean, you may start the disinfection process. You need to determine if your instrument is:
- Non-Critical: In contact with intact skin ONLY (For instance, General Purpose ultrasonic probe)
- Semi-Critical: In contact with non-intact skin or mucous membrane (Endoscopes, transvaginal or transrectal probe)
- Critical: The instrument enters sterile or vascular tissue
Then, take appropriate action accordingly:
- Non-Critical instrument: Intermediate or low-level disinfection: Medical-grade Spray or Wipes
- Semi-Critical instrument: High-level disinfection: Soaking
- Critical instrument: Sterilization
Be aware that the CDC requires all Semi-Critical instruments to be high-level disinfected between each patient
Finally, and because they can fail, transducer covers DO NOT replace a proper disinfection
Thank you for reading our Ultrasound Cleaning & Disinfection Guidelines
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Sprays, Wipes and Soaking Stations