Careful disinfection can help to minimise damage to probes

Ultrasound probes are complex, expensive medical devices that contain fragile components. Nanosonics senior medical affairs manager EMEA Ellie Wishart said: “Despite the best efforts of the staff that use and reprocess them, damage to probes in clinical use is common. A study in the UK found that more than one in three probes were faulty, and more than one in eight were not fit for clinical use.1”

Damage can have many causes, from dropping or knocking the probe to the use of incompatible reprocessing methods. Aggressive cleaning methods such as vigorous wiping motions can cause mechanical damage.2 Similarly, the use of abrasive cleaning wipes or paper towels is not recommended as it can damage sensitive probe components.3

The use of incompatible cleaning and disinfection agents or exposure to chemicals for longer than recommended can all cause damage to the plastic surface of probes or probe cables.4,5

When damage affects the probe lens or internal elements, it can have clinical implications by affecting image quality. Physical damage, such as dents or scratches, can also interfere with cleaning or reprocessing and create a higher risk of infection for patients, says Nanosonics.

Staff involved in reprocessing ultrasound probes should handle them with care and always consult manufacturer’s instructions before using any new cleaning or disinfecting agents.

Through its probe compatibility programme, Nanosonics works closely with all the major manufacturers to ensure integrity the integrity of probes when used with its trophon high level disinfection device.

Visit Nanosonics at BMUS 2024 on stand 17 to learn more about how to protect probes using compatible disinfection technology.

1. Dudley NJ, Woolley DJ. A multicentre survey of the condition of ultrasound probes. Ultrasound. 2016;24(4):190-7
2. Bigelow TA et al. Ensuring clinical efficacy and patient safety with repaired ultrasound probes. J Ultrasound Med. 2018; 37:315-328.
3. ECRI. Cleaning and Disinfecting Diagnostic Ultrasound Transducers: Our Recommendations. 2013.
4. Ultrasound Transducers Cleaning & Disinfection Instructions. GE HealthCare.
5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Medical Device Alert. Detergent and disinfectant wipes used on reusable medical devices with plastic surfaces – risk of degrading plastic surfaces. MDA/2013/019

This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.  Visit our dedicated BMUS conference page to find out more.