Mindray DC-80A, Operator'S Manual

Page: 289 / 391

Probes and Biopsy 13-9
CAUTION:
1 No cleaning and disinfecting may result in the probe becoming
a source of infection.
2 Please follow the disinfectant manufacturer's manual for
performing cleaning and disinfection, including preparing
sterile water and cleaning and disinfection time.
NOTE:
1. After the examination, wipe off the ultrasound gel thoroughly. Otherwise, the
ultrasound gel may solidify and degrade the image quality of the transducer.
2. DO NOT make the probe to become overheated (more than 55°C) during cleaning
and disinfections. High temperature may cause the probe to become deformed or
damaged.
Cleaning and Disinfection/sterilization Overview
Cleaning and disinfection refer to two distinct processes. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) "Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities"
(2008):
"Cleaning is the removal of visible soil (e.g. organic and inorganic material) from objects and
surfaces and normally is accomplished manually or mechanically using water with detergents or
enzymatic products. Thorough cleaning is essential before high-level disinfection and sterilization
because inorganic and organic material that remains on the surfaces of instruments interfere with
the effectiveness of these processes."
"Disinfection describes a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except
bacterial spores."
Low-Level Disinfection —Destruction of most bacteria, some viruses, and some fungi.
Low-level disinfection will not necessarily inactivate Mycobacterium tuberculosis or
bacterial spores.
High-Level Disinfection (HLD) —Destruction/removal of all microorganisms except
bacterial spores.
“Sterilization describes a process that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life and is
carried out in healthcare facilities by physical or chemical methods.”
Selecting a Microbicidal Method
Transducers can be divided into three categories based on their intended use. Some transducers
may fall into more than one category (e.g. transducers use for biopsy procedures). When selecting
a disinfectant, determine the required level of disinfection based on intended use and possibility of
cross-contamination.
Contacts intact skin: Transducers that only come into contact with clean, intact skin are
considered noncritical devices and require cleaning after every use. Cleaning may be followed by
a low-level disinfectant spray or wipe.
Contacts mucous membranesand non-intact skin : This category includes all endocavity
transducers - intravaginal, transrectal, and transesophageal (TEE) and transducers use for biopsy
procedures. These semi-critical transducers must be cleaned with an appropriate cleaner after use
followed by high-level disinfection.