Ultrasound probes and transducers are the cornerstone of modern diagnostic imaging, providing deep insights into a patient’s health with non-invasive precision. To provide the best experience for patients and maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and functionality in ultrasound equipment, it is crucial to learn how to clean probes and transducers using the best methods. Proper cleaning prevents cross-contamination, infections, and potential damage to the equipment, all of which are essential for ensuring diagnostic accuracy and prolonging the probe’s life. This blog will explore why cleaning probes and transducers are crucial and provide the best methods to keep them in top condition.
Why Should We Clean Ultrasound Probes?
All types of ultrasound probes should be cleaned regularly. Here are three important reasons why we should clean probes and transducers regularly and precisely:
1- Maintaining Diagnostic Accuracy
One of the key reasons we must clean probes and transducers is to provide patients with accurate diagnostics. The residue left on the probe from previous scans, including gel, tissue, or bodily fluids, can significantly disrupt the probe’s ability to transmit sound waves effectively. This interference can result in distorted or unclear imaging, compromising the quality and reliability of the diagnostic results and outcomes.
By thoroughly cleaning the probes after each use, healthcare professionals can remove these residues easily, ensuring that the images produced are crisp, accurate, and dependable. This level of precision is crucial for making informed diagnostic decisions and providing the best possible care to patients.
2- Preventing Cross-Contamination and Infections
Another important reason to consider proper methods to clean ultrasound probes and transducers is to prevent cross-contamination and infections. If a probe isn’t cleaned adequately, biofilm can form on its surface, complicating the disinfection process. Biofilm acts as a protective barrier around bacteria, enabling disinfectants to kill them effectively. This not only prevents proper sterilization but also poses risks to patient safety and can lead to damage to the probe.
Once biofilm sets in, removing it is extremely difficult. It often requires intense cleaning (which might harm the probe), sending it for repair, or even replacing it, all of which are costly solutions. By ensuring the proper methods to clean probes effectively, your facility can avoid these significant expenses and protect patient well-being.
3- Ensuring Compliance with Health and Safety Standards
Lastly, regularly cleaning ultrasound probes and transducers is imperative for meeting health and safety standards in any medical facility. In fact, following an adequate set of rules for cleaning protocols in healthcare facilities not only enhances patients’ safety and minimizes the risk of infections but also ensures a safe environment for patients and healthcare professionals, which is essential for building trust and maintaining a facility’s reputation.
How to Clean Ultrasound Probe (Process)?
We’ve already discussed the importance of cleaning ultrasound probes. However, the remaining question is: how do we properly clean ultrasound transducers and probes?
The cleaning process varies depending on the type of probes and their specific applications. Ultrasound transducers, commonly known as probes, are categorized into three types based on their usage:
- Non-Critical Probes: Non-critical transducers, such as those used for abdominal, obstetric, and other examinations on intact skin, must be cleaned after each use. These types of ultrasound probes require low-level disinfection.
- Semi-Critical Probes: Semi-critical transducers, used for endovaginal and endorectal applications, require both cleaning and high-level disinfection (HLD) after each use.
- Critical Probes: Critical transducers, such as those used in surgeries, transesophageal echocardiography, and laparoscopic procedures, require more advanced methods, such as sterilization.
How to Clean Non-Critical Probes?
To clean non-critical probes and ultrasound transducers, follow the low-level cleaning process as outlined below:
- First, disconnect and rinse the transducer under running water to remove gel and organic materials.
- Secondly, clean the probe with nonabrasive liquid soap using a damp, soft cloth or gauze. Blot the surface gently; avoid vigorous wiping that may cause damage. Use a soft-bristle brush if needed to clean crevices. If used in an interventional procedure, clean the needle guide thoroughly.
- Then, rinse the probe with running water and dry it with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- Subsequently, inspect the probe and needle channels to ensure cleanliness.
- Finally, Wipe the probe with a low-level disinfection (LLD) wipe or a soft cloth sprayed with LLD. Follow the disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions for effectiveness, and ensure the probe is dry before storing or using it.
How to Clean Semi-Critical Probes?
High-level disinfection (HLD) should be applied to clean semi-critical probes that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. You must wipe the probe with a cloth to remove any visible contaminants immediately after use. This makes it easier to clean later and ensures that HLD is effective.
- High-level disinfection (HLD) can be achieved by manually soaking the probe in a germicidal solution.
- HLD can also be accomplished using an automated machine designed for this purpose, such as the G. trophon or GUS systems. These systems are both computerized systems designed for high-level disinfection (HLD) to clean ultrasound probes, particularly those used in semi-critical or critical medical procedures.
It should be noted that disinfectants work better on clean, dry surfaces, and any leftover gel or organic matter can block the disinfectant and reduce its effectiveness.
How to Clean Critical Probes?
The sterilization method should be applied to clean ultrasound transducers that come into contact with sterile body cavities or the bloodstream (critical probes), including those used in invasive procedures like biopsies or surgeries.
Although some probes designed for surgeries, like laparoscopic probes, can be sterilized using steam, most probes are sensitive to heat and can’t handle steam sterilization.
These heat-sensitive probes should be sterilized using certain chemical solutions approved by the FDA instead. However, this process takes much longer than high-level disinfection (HLD) and should only be done if the probe’s instructions (IFU) include sterilization steps.
To sterilize and clean probes that can’t undergo steam or chemicals, high-level disinfection (HLD) should be applied, and they should be covered with a sterile, form-fitting cover during use.
All in all, it’s crucial to follow the probe manufacturer’s instructions regarding which sterilization or disinfection methods and solutions to use to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the transducers.
The Importance of Cleaning Probes in the Long Term
The key advantages of cleaning ultrasound probes and transducers extend far beyond just basic hygiene. Effective cleaning methods are crucial in maintaining the safety, functionality, and longevity of these expensive and high-demand medical devices. Proper cleaning and disinfection practices have become essential not only for ensuring patient safety but also for prolonging the lifespan and utility of ultrasound probes. By adhering to rigorous cleaning protocols, healthcare providers can safeguard these vital tools, ensuring their continued effectiveness and reliability in medical diagnostics.
The Bottom Line
Properly cleaning and disinfecting ultrasound probes ensures diagnostic accuracy, prevents cross-contamination and infections, and meets health and safety standards. The cleaning process varies depending on the type of probe and its application, with non-critical probes requiring low-level disinfection, semi-critical probes needing high-level disinfection, and critical probes requiring sterilization. Adhering to manufacturer guidelines is crucial for maintaining the equipment’s safety, effectiveness, and longevity.
For personalized advice or further information, feel free to contact us and fill out a form here. Whether you have questions or require personalized advice, we’re here to help every step of the way.
