Transducer and System Care

Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing Non-TEE Transducers

The following topics explain how to clean, disinfect, and sterilize non-TEE transducers. To determine the appropriate care method for your transducer, see Choosing the Correct Transducer Care Method.

For TEE transducer care instructions, see Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing TEE Transducers.

All transducers must be cleaned after each use. Cleaning the transducer is an essential step before effective disinfection or sterilization.

The following figure identifies the components of non-TEE transducers.

Cleaning Non-TEE Transducers, Cables, and Connectors
Cleaning Non-TEE Transducers, Cables, and Connectors
Cleaning Non-TEE Transducers, Cables, and Connectors

These general cleaning instructions must be followed for all non-TEE transducers, cables, and connectors.

Before cleaning a transducer, read Warnings and Cautions and Transducer Care and Operator Safety. After cleaning, you must disinfect or sterilize non-TEE transducers by following the appropriate procedures: Low-level Disinfection of Non-TEE Transducers, High-level Disinfection of Non-TEE Transducers, or Sterilization of Non-TEE Transducers.

After every patient study, use a moist cloth to remove the ultrasound transmission gel from the transducer.

Disconnect the transducer from the system, and remove any accessories attached to or covering the transducer. Push the connector cover, if available, onto the connector to protect against fluid splashing onto the contacts.

Use a soft cloth lightly dampened in a mild soap or an enzymatic cleaner (in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions) to remove any particulate matter or body fluids that remain on the transducer, cable, or connector. Enzymatic cleaners are generically approved for use.

When cleaning the connector, do not allow any type of fluid to enter through the strain relief, electrical contacts, or areas surrounding the locking-lever shaft and the strain relief. You may use a soft-bristled brush to clean only the metal surfaces of the connector.

When cleaning the lens, use a blotting motion rather than a wiping motion.

To remove remaining particulate and cleaning residue, use cleaning wipes according to the manufacturers’ instructions, or rinse thoroughly with water up to the immersion point shown below. Do not immerse the connector, connector strain relief, or cable that is within 5.1 cm (2 inches) of the strain relief.

If necessary, wipe the transducer with a dry cloth. To dry the lens, use a soft cloth and a blotting motion instead of a wiping motion.

Examine the device and cable for damage such as cracks, splitting, sharp edges, or projections. If damage is evident, discontinue use of the device and contact your Philips representative.

NOTE

If you use cleaning wipes, it may be unnecessary to rinse the transducer with water. Always follow the product label recommendations.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Cables and Connectors
Cleaning and Disinfecting Cables and Connectors
Cleaning and Disinfecting Cables and Connectors

Use this procedure when you need to clean only cables or connectors for any type of transducer. You can disinfect the cables and connectors of all transducers with a wipe or spray disinfectant recommended for your transducer.

Before cleaning and disinfecting cables and connectors, read Warnings and Cautions and Transducer Care and Operator Safety.

CAUTION
Do not bend or crimp the gastroscope (flexible shaft) or cable.

Disconnect the device from the system, and remove any accessories attached to or covering the transducer. Push the connector cover, if available, onto the connector to protect against fluid splashing onto the contacts.

Use a soft cloth lightly dampened in a mild soap or detergent solution to clean the cable, the strain reliefs, and the connector. A soft-bristled brush can be used to clean only the metal surfaces of the connector.

Choose the disinfection solution compatible with your cable and connector. 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.

Wipe or spray the cable, strain relief, and connector with the disinfectant, following disinfectant label instructions for wipe durations, solution strengths, and duration of disinfectant contact with the cable. 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 device and cable for damage such as cracks, splitting, sharp edges, or projections. If damage is evident, discontinue use of the device and contact your Philips representative.
Low-level Disinfection of Non-TEE Transducers
Low-level Disinfection of Non-TEE Transducers
Low-level disinfection of Non-TEE transducers

Low-level disinfection of non-TEE transducers uses the spray or wipe method, with a low- or intermediate level disinfectant. Before disinfecting a transducer, read Warnings and Cautions and Transducer Care and Operator Safety.

NOTE

Transducers can be disinfected using the wipe method only if the product labeling of the compatible disinfectant you are using indicates it can be used with a wipe method.

Clean the transducer according to the procedures in Cleaning Transducers, Cables, and Connectors. Observe all warnings and cautions.

After cleaning, choose a low- or intermediate-level disinfection solution compatible with your transducer, cable, and connector. 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.

Wipe or spray the transducer, cable, strain relief, and connector with the disinfectant, following disinfectant label instructions for wipe durations 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 device and cable for damage such as cracks, splitting, sharp edges, or projections. If damage is evident, discontinue use of the device and contact your Philips representative.
High-level Disinfection of Non-TEE Transducers
High-level Disinfection of Non-TEE Transducers
High-level disinfection of Non-TEE transducers

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.
Sterilization of Non-TEE Transducers
Sterilization of Non-TEE Transducers
Sterilization of Non-TEE Transducers

Sterilization is required if the transducer enters otherwise sterile tissue without a sterile cover. If you use a sterile cover, you should sterilize, but you can disinfect (high-level disinfection). The main difference between sterilization and disinfection by immersion is the length of time the transducer is immersed. For information about disinfecting a non-TEE transducer, see High-level Disinfection of Non-TEE transducers.

To determine if your transducer requires sterilization or high-level disinfection, see Choosing the Correct Transducer Care Method.

Before sterilizing a transducer, read Warnings and Cautions and Transducer Care and Operator Safety.

WARNINGS

Always use protective eyewear and gloves when cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing any equipment.

In intraoperative applications, sterilized transducers should be used with sterile gel and a sterile transducer cover.

Sterile transducer covers are disposable and must not be reused.

If a pre-mixed solution is used, be sure to observe the solution expiration date.

Transducers must be cleaned after each use. Cleaning the transducer is an essential step before effective disinfection or sterilization. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using disinfectants.

CAUTIONS

Use only liquid solutions to sterilize transducers. Using autoclave, gas (EtO), or other methods not approved by Philips will damage your transducer and void your warranty.

Do not allow sharp objects, such as scalpels and cauterizing knives, to touch transducers or cables.

When handling a transducer, do not bump the transducer on hard surfaces.

Ensure that the solution strength and duration of contact are appropriate for sterilization. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Sterilizing Non-TEE Transducers by Immersion

Clean the transducer and cable according to the procedures in Cleaning Transducers, Cables, and Connectors. Observe all warnings and cautions.

After cleaning, choose a sterilization solution that is compatible with your transducer, cable, and connector. 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 in the sterilization solution as shown in the illustration. Do not immerse the connector, connector strain relief, or cable within 5.1 cm (2 inches) of the strain relief.

Follow the instructions on the sterilization label for the duration of transducer immersion required for sterilization.

Remove the transducer from the sterilization solution after the recommended sterilization time has elapsed.

Using the instructions on the sterilization label, rinse the transducer in sterile water 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 sterilization solution 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.