Common Mistakes in Probe Disinfection
What's Wrong With These Methods?
There's nothing wrong with Cidex OPA, just don't put the probe straight into the bottle.
PROBLEMS:
• Can tip over• Uses entire gallon
• Contamination by touching neck of bottle with probe
• No vapor control
Wipes are a widely used disinfectant for external ultrasound probes.*
PROBLEM:
Wipes are not an FDA approved high-level disinfectant. Vaginal, rectal and TEE probes are required to be disinfected with an FDA approved high-level disinfectant.
No issue – as long as the tray is inside a vapor control system.
PROBLEMS:
• Uses entire gallon• Probe handle can be submerged
• No vapor control
Don't laugh! This is a common method for disinfecting probes.
PROBLEMS:
• Can easily tip over causing chemical spill and damage to delicate probe• Uses one gallon
• No vapor control
Topical Spray is a widely used disinfectant for external ultrasound probes.*PROBLEM:
Topical Spray is not an FDA approved high-level disinfectant. Vaginal, rectal and TEE probes are required to be disinfected with an FDA approved high-level disinfectant.See more HICPAC, FDA and CDC guidelines
* Source: HICPAC, FDA, CDC and AIUM guidelines
