8
HD11 XE Getting Started
4535 612 62651
167
Transducer Care and Maintenance
Disinfecting Transducers by Immersion (High-Level
Disinfection)
This section provides information about using the immersion method to disinfect
transducers. TEE transducers require unique methods for disinfection by immer-
sion. For details, see “Disinfecting TEE Transducers by Immersion” on page 169.
ARNINGS
• If a premixed disinfectant is used, be sure to observe the expiration date.
If you use Cidex OPA Solution (Cidex OPA), residual solution may remain on
your transducers if you do not carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Residual Cidex OPA on TEE transducers may cause the following:
• Temporary staining of the mouth and lip area
• Irritation or chemical burns of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach
To minimize the effects from residual Cidex OPA, or any other disinfectant, Phil-
ips recommends that you
• Follow the disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions very carefully. For exam-
ple, the manufacturer of Cidex OPA recommends soaking transducers three
times in fresh water.
• Use a protective transducer cover during endocavity and TEE examinations.
• Use a sterile protective transducer cover with sterile ultrasound transmission
gel during intraoperative and biopsy examinations.
• Limit the time that transducers are soaked in the disinfectant solution to the
minimum time recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer (for example,
the manufacturer of Cidex OPA recommends a minimum of 12 minutes).
• Check for the required level of disinfection. The level of disinfection required
for a device is dictated by the type of tissue it will contact during use. Ensure
the solution strength and duration of contact are appropriate for the intended
clinical use of the transducer. For information on the levels of disinfection
requirements, see Table 8-1. Also see the disinfectant label instructions and
the recommendations of the Association for Professionals in Infection Con-
trol, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control.
To Next Page
Loading...