High-level disinfection of non-TEE transducers uses the immersion method. Before disinfecting a transducer, read Warnings and Cautions and Transducer Care and Operator Safety.
WARNING
If a pre-mixed disinfectant is used, be sure to observe the expiration date.
CAUTIONS
- Always use protective eyewear and gloves when cleaning and disinfecting any equipment.
- Using non-recommended disinfectants, using incorrect solution strengths, or immersing a transducer deeper or longer than recommended can damage or discolor the transducer and voids the transducer warranty.
- Do not immerse transducers longer than the minimum time needed for your level of disinfection. For information on the levels of disinfection requirements, see Choosing the Correct Transducer Care Method.
Isopropyl Alcohol Restrictions
CAUTION
The use of 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and alcohol-based products on all transducers is restricted. On non-TEE transducers, the only parts that may be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol are the connector housing and the transducer housing and lens. On TEE transducers, the only parts that may be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol are the connector housing and the handle. Ensure that the solution is only 70% alcohol or less. Do not wipe any other part of a transducer with isopropyl alcohol (including cables or strain reliefs), as it can damage those parts of the transducer. This damage is not covered by the warranty or your service contract.
Minimizing the Effects of Residual Disinfectant
If you use an OPA-based disinfectant, residual solution may remain on your transducers if you do not carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
WARNINGS
- Residual OPA on TEE transducers may cause temporary staining of the mouth and lip area and irritation or chemical burns of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.
- To minimize the effects from residual OPA, or any other disinfectant, Philips recommends the following:
• Follow the disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions very carefully. For example, the manufacturer of Cidex OPA recommends soaking transducers three times in fresh water.
• Use a protective transducer cover during endocavity and TEE studies.
• Use a sterile protective transducer cover with sterile ultrasound transmission gel during intraoperative and biopsy studies.
• Limit the time that transducers are soaked in the disinfectant solution to the minimum time recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer (for example, the manufacturer of Cidex OPA recommends a minimum of 12 minutes).
Disinfecting Non-TEE Transducers by Immersion
- Clean the transducer according to the procedures in Cleaning Transducers, Cables, and Connectors. Observe all warnings and cautions.
- After cleaning, choose a high-level disinfection solution compatible with your transducer. For a list of compatible disinfectants, see Choosing Disinfectants and Cleaning Solutions. Follow the label instructions for preparation and solution strength. If a pre-mixed solution is used, be sure to observe the solution expiration date.
- Immerse the transducer into the appropriate disinfectant for your transducer as shown in the illustration. Do not immerse the connector, connector strain relief, or cable that is within 5.1 cm (2 inches) of the strain relief.
- Follow the instructions on the disinfectant label for the duration of transducer immersion. Do not immerse transducers longer than the minimum time needed for your level of disinfection.
- Using the instructions on the disinfectant label, rinse the transducer up to the point of immersion. Do not immerse the connector, connector strain relief, or cable that is within 5.1 cm (2 inches) of the strain relief.
- Using an appropriate disinfectant for the cable and connector, wipe or spray the cable, strain relief, and connector, following disinfectant label instructions for wipe durations, solution strengths, and duration of disinfectant contact. Ensure that the solution strength and duration of contact are appropriate for the intended clinical use of the device. Ensure that the disinfectant solution does not enter the device or the connector.
- Air dry or towel dry with a sterile cloth according to the instructions on the disinfectant label.
- Examine the transducer for damage, such as cracks, splitting, fluid leaks, or sharp edges or projections. If damage is evident, discontinue use of the transducer and contact your Philips representative.
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