Ultrasound Transducers Care Safety and Cleaning
Recommended by GE Medical healthcare
Transducer Care & Safety Guidelines
· Handle all transducers with care.
· Prevent damage to transducers by placing them in their holder, carrying case or storage drawer when not in use.
· Do not drop or subject transducer to any type of mechanical shock. Impact may compromise probe operation, safety features or result in sharp edges that could damage the protective sheath and/ or injure sensitive tissue.
· Inspect transducer lens, cable & housing before each exam.
· Do not use damaged transducers. Injury to the operator or patient may occur if cracks, cuts, sharp edges or exposed wiring exist. Cleaning and/ or gel solutions may leak into the transducer resulting in electrical shock. Discontinue use and notify the GE Service representative.
· Avoid unnecessary stress or bending to cable.
· Do not twist, kink or pinch cable. Excessive bending or stress on cable may result in damage to its insulating properties causing shock to the patient or operator.
· Strictly follow the immersion table provided in this guide when cleaning & disinfecting probes.
· Do not soak transducer longer than recommended by germicide manufacturer.
· Do not immerse transducer connector in germicide.
· Use only compatible gels and germicides and strictly follow the manufacturers instructions when applying, cleaning & disinfecting transducers.
· Do not use non-recommended coupling gels that contain lotions, mineral oil, olive oil, lanolin, polyethylene glycol, dimethylsilicone, methyl or ethyl parabens.
· Do not clean transducers with non-recommended germicides that contain methanol, ethanol, bleach or alcohol.
· Do not steam, heat autoclave or use ethylene oxide (EO) gas processes on general surface or TE/TV/TR transducers.
Transducer Cleaning Guide
Note: Prevent disease transmission by properly cleaning & disinfecting transducer surfaces (between patients) that come in contact with body tissue.
· Refer to the APIC Guidelines for Selection & Use of Disinfectants.
· Always use sterile, legally marketed transducer sheaths for intra-cavitary, intra-operative and biopsy procedures.
· GE does not substantiate the claims of infection control capabilities of recommended germicides.
· Strictly follow the germicide manufacturers instructions for duration of contact time.
· Failure to do so may result in ineffective decontamination, as well as, severe lens damage & transducer failure not covered under the GE product warranty.
Cleaning - All Transducers
· Disconnect transducer from ultrasound console and rinse probe with a warm nonabrasive soap & water solution.
· Meticulously scrub transducer as needed with a soft brush, sponge or gauze pad to remove all gel and bio-residues.
· Air dry or dry with soft cloth or gauze pad.
Low Level Disinfecting: General Surface Transducers
After cleaning transducer: Spray, wipe or immerse transducer in a disinfectant (see Table) as directed by the germicide manufacturer. Thoroughly rinse with sterile water and pat dry with a soft sponge, cloth or gauze pad.
High Level Disinfecting: TE/TV/TR Transducers
After cleaning transducer: Immerse transducers that come in contact with mucous membranes, blood or other body fluids in a GE-compatible high level disinfectant
Strictly follow the germicide manufacturers instructions. Thoroughly rinse with sterile water and pat dry with a soft sponge, cloth or gauze pad.
Strictly follow the germicide manufacturers instructions. Thoroughly rinse with sterile water and pat dry with a soft sponge, cloth or gauze pad.
Note: Use quality gel to protect your probe .
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