Ultrasonix SonixMDP, Service Manual

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Chapter 11: Maintenance 00.053.101, Revision C SonixMDP/SP/OP Service Manual
11-8
11.3 TRANSDUCER MAINTENANCE
Transducers require proper handling, care, and cleaning. Improper transducer care will cause damage to the transducer.
Transducer care includes daily inspection, daily cleaning, and disinfection whenever necessary. To clean a transducer:
All transducers may be exposed to many potentially damaging situations during use and cleaning. Regularly check them for
signs of damage:
• Cracks on the handle
• Cracks on the nose piece
• Cuts or gouges on the lens material
• Swelling of the lens material
• Cracks or other signs of damage to the connector
• Bent or damaged pins on the connector
• Integrity and flexibility of the cable.
11.3.1 Usage Guidelines
Ultrasonix recommends inspecting the transducers prior to each use:
• Ensure the transducers are always clean before they are used. There must be no ultrasound gel (from previous
imaging), any debris, films or unusual odors present.
• Ensure there are no cracks or other damage to the transducers before they are used. Inspect the transducer
surfaces for cracks and feel for cracks with finger tips as well.
Where any transducer (including, but not limited to, an intracavity transducer) is used in a clinical application of a
semi-critical nature (including, but not limited to intraoperative, transrectal, transvaginal, transesophageal, etc.),
ensure the transducer is covered with the appropriate STERILE transducer cover/sheath which has received
regulatory clearance for use.
Warnings:
DO NOT drop the transducer. Dropping or striking a transducer against a hard surface can damage transducer elements, the
acoustic lens and electrical safety features.
DO NOT use a cracked or broken transducer. Damaged transducers present a danger of electric shock.
DO NOT pinch or kink the transducer cable. If the transducer housing becomes cracked or broken or if there are cuts or
openings in the cable, the electrical safety features of the transducer could be compromised.
DO NOT immerse the external transducer beyond the first seam in any liquid. The transducer is not watertight. Immersing it
beyond the first seam can destroy its electrical safety features.