13-10 Probes and Biopsy
2.
DO NOT make the probe to become overheated (more than 55°C) during cleaning
and disinfections. High temperature may cause the probe to become deformed or
damaged.
Cleaning and Disinfection/sterilization Overview
Cleaning and disinfection refer to two distinct processes. According to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) "Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities" (2008):
"Cleaning is the removal of visible soil (e.g. organic and inorganic material) from objects and surfaces
and normally is accomplished manually or mechanically using water with detergents or enzymatic
products. Thorough cleaning is essential before high-level disinfection and sterilization because
inorganic and organic material that remains on the surfaces of instruments interfere with the
effectiveness of these processes."
"Disinfection describes a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except
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.
High-Level Disinfection (HLD)—Destruction/removal of all microorganisms except bacterial
spores.
“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.
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