Transducer and System Care

Disinfectants

Read this information before performing disinfection and sterilization procedures. It discusses recommended disinfectants and choosing an appropriate disinfectant for the required level of disinfection. You must refer to Choosing Disinfectants and Cleaning Solutions (below) for the chemical compatibility of disinfectants and cleaners with specific transducers. Additionally, the tables indicate if a device can be sprayed or wiped only, or if it can be soaked.

About disinfectants
About disinfectants
About disinfectants

WARNINGS

Not all disinfectants are effective against all types of contamination. Ensure that the disinfectant type is appropriate for the type of transducer and that the solution strength and time of contact are appropriate for the intended clinical use.

Disinfectants listed in this section are recommended because of their chemical compatibility with product materials, not their biological effectiveness. For the biological effectiveness of a disinfectant, see the guidelines and recommendations of the disinfectant manufacturer, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

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

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

The level of disinfection required for a device is dictated by the type of tissue it will contact during use. Ensure that the disinfectant type is appropriate for the type of transducer and the transducer application. For information on the levels of disinfection requirements, see Choosing the Correct Transducer Care Method. For more information, see the disinfectant label instructions and the recommendations of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

CAUTIONS

Using a non-recommended disinfection solution, using incorrect solution strength, or immersing a transducer deeper or longer than recommended can damage the device and voids the warranty.

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.

Factors Affecting Disinfectant Efficiency

The following factors will affect the efficiency of a disinfectant solution:

Number and location of microorganisms

Innate resistance of microorganisms

Concentration and potency of disinfectants

Physical and chemical factors

Organic and inorganic matter

Duration of exposure

Biofilms
Choosing disinfectants and cleaning solutions (compatibility tables)
Choosing disinfectants and cleaning solutions (compatibility tables)
Choosing Disinfectants and Cleaning Solutions

The compatibility tables list the disinfectants and cleaning solutions that are compatible with the transducers available for your Philips ultrasound system. The tables are organized by system name and presented in PDF format.

EPIQ 7

EPIQ 5

iE33

iU22

CX50

CX30

Sparq

HD5

HD6

HD7 Series

HD9

HD11 Series

HD15

ClearVue 350/550

ClearVue 650

ClearVue 580

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.

NOTE

TEE transducers require unique methods for disinfection. See High-Level Disinfection of TEE Transducers or Disinfecting TEE Transducers with an AER.

Based on material compatibility testing, product use profile, and active ingredients, Philips has approved for use the following types of low-level disinfectants used as a spray or wipe for surface (skin contact) and transvaginal or transrectal probes, according to the compatibility restrictions in the tables:

Sodium hypochlorite based (for example 10% household bleach solution with active sodium hypochlorite at approximately 0.6%)

Quaternary ammonium (QUAT) based (for example, products that contain n-alkyl (x)benzyl ammonium chloride solution where (x) can be any organic functional group such as ethyl and methyl, and so on; concentration at use should be less than 0.5% total for all QUATs listed)

Accelerated hydrogen peroxide based

Activated hydrogen peroxide based

Alcohol or alcohol plus QUAT based (product alcohol content cannot exceed 70%)

You may also use products not specifically listed in the compatibility tables but with similar active ingredients, as indicated above, and marketed for medical use.

Because of the large number of available cleaning and disinfection products, it is impossible to have an all-inclusive list. If you are unsure of the suitability of a particular product, please contact your Philips representative for assistance.
For more information:

In North America, call Philips at 800-722-9377.

Outside North America, contact your local Philips representative.

Transducer and System Care

Disinfectants

About disinfectants

Choosing Disinfectants and Cleaning Solutions

Related pages