GE Venue 50, Basic User Manual

Page: 246 / 327

Probes and Biopsy
5-10
Venue 50
–
Basic User Manual
Direction 5446729-100 English Rev. 7
Probe handling and infection control
This information is intended to increase operator awareness of
the risks of disease transmission associated with using this
equipment and provide guidance in making decisions directly
affecting the safety of the patient as well as the equipment
operator.
Diagnostic ultrasound systems utilize ultrasound energy that
must be coupled to the patient by direct physical contact.
Depending on the type of examination, this contact occurs with a
variety of tissues ranging from intact skin in a routine exam to
recirculating blood in a surgical procedure. The level of risk of
infection varies greatly with the type of contact.
One of the most effective ways to prevent transmission between
patients is with single use or disposable devices. However,
ultrasound transducers are complex and expensive devices that
must be reused between patients. It is very important, therefore,
to minimize the risk of disease transmission by using barriers
and through proper processing between patients.
CAUTION
Risk of infection. ALWAYS clean and disinfect the probe
between patients to the level appropriate for the type of
examination and use FDA-cleared probe sheaths where
appropriate.
CAUTION
Adequate cleaning and disinfection are necessary to prevent
disease transmission. It is the responsibility of the equipment
operator to verify and maintain the effectiveness of the infection
control procedures in use. Always use sterile, legally marketed
probe sheaths for intra-cavitary and intra-operative procedures.
For neurological intra-operative procedures, use of a legally
marketed, sterile, pyrogen free probe sheath is REQUIRED.
Probes for neuro surgical use must not be sterilized with liquid
chemical sterilants because of the possibility of neuro toxic
residues remaining on the probe.