Guidelines for Reprocessing Ultrasound Transducers

Abstract

The Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) is the leading multidisciplinary medical ultrasound society advancing the clinical practice of diagnostic medical ultrasound for the highest standards of patient care in Australia and New Zealand. The Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) is the peak body for Infection Prevention and Control professionals in the Australasian region focused on promoting education and evidence based practice outcomes for a healthy community. This document was developed collaboratively by ASUM and ACIPC to establish nationally accepted guidelines for reprocessing ultrasound transducers. The requirements in these guidelines have been based on the standards of AS/ NZS4187:2014 and AS/NZS4185:2006. 1 These guidelines must be used as the minimum standard of practice for reprocessing ultrasound transducers and considered to be best practice at the time which they were issued.

Lungenultraschall bei Patienten mit SARS-CoV-2-Infektion

“…Zusätzlich sollte der Patient einen Mund-Nasen-Schutz tragen. Ultraschallgerät und Schallköpfe müssen nach der Untersuchung vollständig mit viruziden Tüchern gereinigt werden [27], dementsprechend bieten sog. "Kitteltaschengeräte" Vorteile.…”

Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in Sonography: Reprocessing the Ultrasound Transducer

“…HLD is the removal of all microorganisms except bacterial endospores, of which small numbers are permitted to remain. 1,[6][7][8]12 HLD is required for a semi-critical transducer that contacts mucous membranes or non-intact skin. HLD is also suitable for a critical transducer in the event they cannot be sterilized if the transducer is used with a sterile transducer cover.…”

“…HLD is also suitable for a critical transducer in the event they cannot be sterilized if the transducer is used with a sterile transducer cover. 1,12 According to the CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, unlike sterilization, disinfection is not sporicidal. A few disinfectants, known as chemical sterilants, will kill spores with prolonged exposure times (3-12 hours).…”

“…Automated processes are preferable due to the reduced risk of operator error. 7,12,28,29 Select HLD methods that are efficient, effective, reliable, reproducible, and safe for the transducer, sonographer, and environment. A process that high-level disinfects the transducer (head and handle) with low level disinfection of cables and connectors is preferred, as these components can harbor clinically relevant pathogens.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Other transducer reprocessing guidelines have also been released, both in the United States and internationally, including from the following organizations: American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine, World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, European Society of Radiology, European Committee for Medical Ultrasound Safety, Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine/Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control, Health Service Executive Ireland and Health Facilities Scotland. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] This document builds upon earlier guidelines and provides a comprehensive set of recommendations that any sonographer can use to answer disinfection and transducer reprocessing questions or to implement the recommendations. Sonographers should consult the manufacturer's IFU for use of appropriate cleaners, disinfectants, and sterilants that have undergone both material compatibility and reprocessing validation and efficacy testing.…”