Prolonging the life of your ultrasound probes can be done in various ways. First, by following the correct handling procedure and second, by using the right cleaning steriliser. Our intention is to offer handling tips to increase the life and image quality of your ultrasound equipment, but please ensure your infection control manager is in agreement.
Handling Your Ultrasound Probe
Training for unqualified users. While sonographers are well informed to look after ultrasound equipment, non-skilled users can result in increased accidental damage of the apparatus. In general, the probe handle and the lens area must be protected with cautious and meticulous handling. When it comes to handling the equipment, it’s vitally important to ensure that everyone using ultrasound equipment is fully qualified and experienced.
Accidental damage. A large percentage of ultrasound probe repair is needed because probes are accidentally dropped. While there are patient throughput requirements that require imaging staff to move efficiently, everyone should be aware of equipment costs, and every effort should be given to keep probes from hitting the floor or any other hard surfaces that are likely to cause damage.
Careful examination required. Consistent and careful inspection of ultrasound equipment for cuts and cracks is important. The enlarged use of ultrasound has increased the daily runtime of many probes, making it even more important to regularly inspect probes from tip to connector. It is vital to identify damage quickly to improve chances of the probe repair being successful. Repair can be dramatically lower in cost than having to purchase another probe.
Selecting the Right Sanitiser for Your Ultrasound Probe
We recommend following the instructions on the manufacturer recommended agent’s packaging for cleaning or disinfection. Additionally, check with your hospital infection control personnel if you have further questions about cleaning, disinfecting times, etc. Other things to consider are ventilation and soak times.
Feel free to contact us with questions in regard to transducer care, however, we may not be able to recommend a specific product.
Below are several useful links to ultrasound manufacturers’ transducer cleaner and disinfectants approval guides.
GE Ultrasound
Per GE’s instructions, this website provides a summary. So, consult the basic system manual for further information. However, this tool allows you to match transducer to their approved cleaning, disinfection, and gel products. Including TEE transducer care. Click Here!
Philips Ultrasound
This link provided is to a 38-page PDF from Philips that provides disinfectants and cleaning products that are compatible with Philips ultrasound systems and transducers. For the systems or transducers not specifically listed, it recommends that you reference your system’s User Manual.
Toshiba Ultrasound
Toshiba Medical, owned by Canon, has PDF’s for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilisation of diagnostic ultrasound transducer and transducer accessories linked here. For precautions and procedures for use, refer to the relevant operation handbooks.
Siemens Ultrasound
Siemens provides general handling instructions and a link to their PDF that contains a list of cleaners and disinfectants for transducers. Click Here!
Sonosite Ultrasound
Click here for Sonosite’s support video where you can find instructions for cleaning and disinfecting ultrasound. Also, a quick view of cleaners and disinfectants for your system are !
Zonare & Mindray Ultrasound
Zonare and Mindray provide the PDF that provides instructions on inspection, cleaning and disinfecting your transducers right here!
How Probo Medical Can Help
Applying best practices for handling ultrasound probes are so important to protect your investment. But even with the best handling practices, accidents do happen. If you need a new or refurbished ultrasound probe, give us a call on 01452 729380 or email us at sales@probomedical.co.uk and one of our experienced ultrasound transducer sales experts will be happy to help.
