ECO 2 Ultrasound Diagnostic System
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because they are routinely protected by single use disposable probe covers, leakage rates of
0.9% - 2% for condoms and 8%-81% for commercial probe covers have been observed in recent
studies. For maximum safety, one should therefore perform high-level disinfection of the probe
between each use and use a probe cover or condom as an aid in keeping the probe clean.
There are four generally recognized categories of disinfection and sterilization. Sterilization is the
complete elimination of all forms or microbial life including spores and viruses.
Disinfection, the selective removal of microbial life, is divided into three classes:
High-Level Disinfection - Destruction/removal of all microorganisms except bacterial spores.
Mid-Level Disinfection - Inactivation of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, bacteria, most viruses,
fungi, and some bacterial spores.
Low-Level Disinfection - Destruction of most bacteria, some viruses and some fungi. Low-level
disinfection will not necessarily inactivate Mycobacterium Tuberculosis or bacterial spores.
9.2.4.5 Aspetic Tchnique
For the protection of the patient and the health care worker, all endocavitary examinations should
be performed with the operator properly gloved throughout the procedure. Gloves should be used
to remove the condom or other barrier from the transducer and to wash the transducer as outlined
above. As the barrier (condom) is removed, care should be taken not to contaminate the probe
with secretions from the patient. At the completion of the procedure, hands should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
NOTE: Obvious disruption in condom integrity does NOT require modification of this
protocol. These guidelines take into account possible probe contamination due to a disruption in
the barrier sheath.
In summary, routine high-level disinfection of the endocavitary probe between patients, plus the
use of a probe cover or condom during each examination is required to properly protect patients
from infection during endocavitary examinations. For all chemical disinfectants, precautions must
be taken to protect workers and patients from the toxicity of the disinfectant.
Amis S, Ruddy M, Kibbler CC, Economides DL, MacLean AB. Assessment of condoms as probe
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