Current best practice guidance recommend the use of automated systems for decontaminating transvaginal and transrectal ultrasound transducers, to provide a standardised and repeatable process.
To reduce the chance of damage to transducers when using an automated decontamination system there are some key points to be aware of and follow.
Six key points:
- Ensure that the type of decontamination process used / proposed is compatible with individual probes. Manufacturers should be able to give you this information, but be aware that not all transducers might be compatible with the system you plan to use.
- Check which wipes should be used with the decontamination system. Some wipes can affect the efficacy of the process and potentially damage the transducer. If in doubt, ask the manufacturer of the decontamination unit. Gently wipe the lens of the transducer with care. Do not use paper towels, as this can damage the lens.
- Take care when handling the transducer and cable when moving, inserting and removing from the decontamination unit to prevent damage to the lens and/or cable.
- If the transducer has been refurbished it may be more susceptible to damage when using an automated system. It is important to ask the retailer of the transducer and the provider of the decontamination unit for advice.
- Cables are easily damaged. Treat it carefully when putting the transducer into the decontamination unit and back on the machine. Always avoid cables being bent or trailing on the floor when the transducer is returned to the holder. Gently place the transducer into the cradle the correct way to avoid strain on the cable.
- Ensure that everyone who uses the decontamination unit is fully trained, updated and audited, so that they understand all steps of the procedure and the delicate nature of the transducers.
Reflection prompts:
- Are you satisfied that you and all your colleagues are familiar with the latest guidance on transducer decontamination?
- Have you checked that the processes used for every transducer meet both manufacturer and decontamination system guidance?
- Does everyone within your department/trust/health board/company know how to use the decontamination unit(s)?
- What audit takes place to ensure that everyone is using the system(s) correctly?
- Do you regularly check the transducers and cables for damage?
- Have you ever had sticky yellow cables? If so, did you check the manufacturer guidance on which wipes to use to decontaminate the machine and cables?
- Are there any further training needs within your unit? If so, you can approach the supplier of the decontamination unit to get support.
Further reading:
AXREM, BMUS, SCoR (2021) Ultrasound Transducer Decontamination – Best Practice Summary
AXREM, BMUS, SCoR (2021) Transducer Decontamination - Best Practice Summary Poster
Bradley, C. Hoffman, P. Egan, K. Jacobson, S. Colville, A. Spencer, W. Larkin, S. and Jenks, P (2018). Guidance for the decontamination of intracavity medical devices: the report of a working group of the Healthcare Infection Society. Journal of Hospital Infection. 101 (1): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2018.08.003
Health Service Executive (2017). Guidance for Decontamination of Semi-critical Ultrasound Probes; Semi-invasive and Non-invasive Ultrasound Probes
Health Protection Scotland (2017) NHSScotland Guidance for Decontamination of Semi-Critical Ultrasound Probes; Semi-invasive and Non-invasive Ultrasound Probes
Nyhsen, C.M., Humphreys, H., Koerner, R.J., Grenier, N., Brady, A., Sidhu, P., Nicolau, C., Mostbeck, G., Mirko D’onofrio, &, Gangi, A., et al. Infection prevention and control in ultrasound - best practice recommendations from the European Society of Radiology Ultrasound Working Group. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-017-0580-3
SDMS (2022) SONOGRAPHER BEST PRACTICES FOR INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL: Reprocessing the Ultrasound Transducer