12-10 Probes and Biopsy
“Sterilization describes a process that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life and is carried
out in healthcare facilities by physical or chemical methods.”
Selecting a Microbicidal Method
Transducers can be divided into three categories based on their intended use. Some
transducers may fall into more than one category (e.g. transducers use for biopsy
procedures). When selecting a disinfectant, determine the required level of disinfection based
on intended use and possibility of cross-contamination.
Contacts intact skin: Transducers that only come into contact with clean, intact skin are considered
noncritical devices and require cleaning after every use. Cleaning may be followed by a low-level
disinfectant spray or wipe.
Contacts mucous membranesand non-intact skin: This category includes all endocavity transducers
- intravaginal, transrectal, and transesophageal (TEE) and transducers use for biopsy procedures.
These semi-critical transducers must be cleaned with an appropriate cleaner after use followed by high-
level disinfection.
Contacts otherwise sterile tissue or body-space: These transducers are considered critical and include
all intraoperative transducers. These transducers must be cleaned with an appropriate cleaner after each
use, followed by a sterilization process.
Cleaning
Please refer to the instructions in the manual and follow your hospital policy and procedures
for cleaning.
1. Wear a pair of gloves to prevent infection.
2. Disconnect the ultrasound probe from the ultrasound system. If the sheath is used, take off
the sheath and discard it.
3. Wipe away the ultrasound gel or other dirt on the surface of the probe by using a piece of
disposable lint-free soft cloth or tissue.
4. Prepare a cleaning solvent (enzymatic or neutral pH detergent, e.g., liquinox, MetriZyme)
by using distilled or softened water in accordance with the operator's manual provided by
the manufacturer.
5. Immerse the ultrasound probe fully in the cleaning solvent for at least 1 minute or a period
specified by the manufacturer.
6. Wipe and wash the probe surface gently by using a piece of lint-free soft cloth or soft
sponge until no dirt is visible. When necessary, wash the locating groove of the needle-
guided bracket and other items by using disposable cotton swabs. Avoid using a brush to
wash the lens because it may damage the probe.
7. Rinse the probe thoroughly by using a large amount of distilled or softened water (about 2
gallons) at room temperature for about 30s to remove the residual dirt and cleaning solvent.
Repeat the operation twice.
8. Dry the probe by wiping with a piece of disposable lint-free soft cloth or tissue. Do not dry
the probe by heating.
9. Inspect the probe. If visible dirt still exists, repeat the preceding steps to wash the probe
until it is all clean.
10. Check whether the probe has defects such as peeling, rifts, bumps, cracks, or liquid spill.
If such defects exist, the probe has reached the end of its service life. In this case, stop
using it and contact the Mindray service department.
Low-level disinfection of a non-critical probe
CAUTION:
Use protective eyewear when disinfecting using sprays.
1. Wear a pair of gloves to prevent infection.
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