Mindray TE7T - 13.1.6 Probe Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization

13-10 Probes and Biopsy
13.1.6 Probe Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization
Before and after completing each examination, clean and disinfect (or sterilize) the probes as
required. When biopsy procedures have been performed, be sure to sterilize the needle-guided
bracket. Failure to do so may result in the probe and the needle-guided bracket becoming sources
of infection. Please follow the instructions in the manual for cleaning.
WARNING:
Never immerse the probe connector into liquid such
as water or disinfectant. Immersion may cause
electrical shock or malfunction.
CAUTION:
When performing cleaning and
disinfection of the probe to prevent
infection, wear sterile gloves.
After disinfection, rinse the probe thoroughly with sterile water to
remove all chemical residues. Chemical residues on the probe may be
harmful to the human body.
No cleaning and disinfecting may result in the probe becoming a
source of infection.
Please follow the disinfectant manufacturer’s manual for performing
cleaning and disinfection, including preparing sterile water and
cleaning and disinfection time.
NOTE:
After the examination, wipe off the ultrasound gel thoroughly. Otherwise, the
ultrasound gel may solidify and degrade the image quality of the transducer.
DO NOT make the probe overheated (more than 55°C) during cleaning and
disinfections. High temperature may cause the probe to become deformed or
damaged.
Observe the graph here carefully to immerse the probe. Only soak parts of the probe
below the strain relief.
Repeated disinfection will eventually damage the probe, please check the probe
performance periodically.
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.