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