Ultrasound Supply’s ultrasound experts recommend these general cleaning instructions for your everyday transducer.
The first step of cleaning your transducer is to remove all visible soil or contaminants from it. All probes must be cleaned after every use – this is a required step before the disinfection or sterilization process.
1. After every exam or use, make sure the ultrasound gel is completely removed from the probe. Transducers should not be left with gel on them.
Probe Damage from NOT Removing Gel
2. Remove transducer cover if necessary, biopsy guides or protective devices from the transducer.
3. Disconnect all probes from your ultrasound machine prior to cleaning or disinfecting. Ensure your transducer is not selected (powered on) during the cleaning process.
4. Use a damp cloth or wipe to remove any remaining contaminants that remain on the probe or cable. Do not re-use wipes. Soaps and detergents should be used accordingly with the manufacturers’ instructions.
5. If rinsing is required, use caution to not expose the system connector to liquids.
6. Use a lint-free soft and clean dry cloth to completely wipe and dry the transducer and cable.
Note: All cleaning products should be as close to neutral pH as possible.
DO NOT USE:
Any gel, cleaning or disinfecting products containing surfactants, methanol, ethanol, benzyl, or methyl alcohol, bleach, methyl or ethylparaben, polyethylene glycol, mineral oil, lubricant oil, oil-based lotions, acetone, ammonia, anhydrous ammonia, iodine, iodine compounds, acids with 5 pH or greater may damage or discolor your transducer.
Some Helpful Tips:
Do not drop or knock the transducer. Hitting the probe lens face can cause fractures of the crystals which can lead to failure.
Do not leave transducers in places where they are subjected to being knocked over and/or dropped.
Do not drop transducers into holders or disinfectant containers with lens face down.
Do not let probe cables dangle loosely from the ultrasound system where they might be caught in the casters while moving.
Do not immerse transducers deeper than permissible levels. Never immerse the connector or adapter into any liquid.
Do not apply excessive bending or pulling force to the probe cable.
Do not kink or tightly coil the transducer cable or TEE endoscope shaft. Insulation failure may result.
How to Store your Transducer
Each probe should have its individual holder on an ultrasound system. Currently, there are no provisions to store additional transducers on the system. Make sure your probe is disinfected, cleaned and completely dry. If your probe has a carrying case, always use it to transport the probe from one site to another.
About Ultrasound Supply’s Ultrasound Machines & Transducers
At Ultrasound Supply, our top priority is to enhance lifecare and create successful healthcare solutions by providing optimal ultrasound distribution service price and amazing tech support solutions, and offering industry-leading ultrasound machines and probes at an affordable price that is consistent with your business needs.