S2/S2BW
Digital Color Doppler Ultrasound System
The following specific recommendations are made for the use of intracavitary ultrasound transducers.
Users should also review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document on sterilization and
disinfection of medical devices to be certain that their procedures conform to the CDC principles for disinfection
of patient care equipment.
1. CLEANING
• After removing the probe cover, use flowing water to remove any residual from the probe.
•
Use a damp gauze pad or other soft cloth and a small amount of mild non-abrasive soap water to
thoroughly clean the transducer.
•
Use a soft bristle brush for cleaning if the residue has dried onto the probe surface. Rinse the transducer
thoroughly with running water, and allow to air dry or dry with a soft cloth.
2. DISINFECTION
1)
Use liquid chemical germicide for disinfection. In order for the germicide to be effective, clean the probe
thoroughly to remove all visible residues.
2)
Using high level liquid disinfectant will ensure further statistical reduction in microbial load. Because of the
potential invisible breakage of the probe sheath, additional high level disinfection with chemical germicide
is necessary.
Examples of such high level disinfectants include but are not limited to:
•
2.4-3.2% glutaraldehyde products (a variety of commercially available products including “Cidex,”
“Metricide,” or “Procide”).
•
Non-glutaraldehyde agents including Cidex OPA (o-phthalaldehyde), Cidex PA (hydrogen peroxide &
peroxyacetic acid).- 7.5% Hydrogen Peroxide solution.
•
Common household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) diluted to yield 500 parts per million chlorine
(10 cc in one liter of tap water). This agent is effective, but generally not recommended by probe
manufacturers because it can damage metal and plastic parts.
•
Other agents such as quaternary ammonium compounds are not considered high level disinfectants
and should not be used. Isopropanol is not a high level disinfectant when used as a wipe and probe
manufacturers generally do not recommend soaking probes in the liquid.
•
The FDA has published a list of approved sterilant and high level disinfectants for use in processing
reusable medical and dental devices. That list can be consulted to find agents that may be useful for
probe disinfection.
3) You should consult the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare, store and use the disinfectant.
Consult SonoScape if you are not sure about the compatibility of these agents with the probes. Many of
the chemical disinfectants are potentially toxic and many require adequate precautions, such as proper
ventilation, personal protective devices (gloves, face/eye protection, etc.) and rinsing before reusing the
probe.
3. PROTECTIVE SHEATHS
1)
The transducer should be protected with a probe sheath. If condoms are used, they should be non-
lubricated and non-medicated.
2)
Practitioners should be aware that condoms have been shown to be less prone to leakage than commercial
probe covers, and have a six-fold enhanced AQL (acceptable quality level) when compared to standard
examination gloves. They have an AQL equal to that of surgical gloves.
P/N: 4710.00149A01
2-11
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