Cleaning

Cleaning is generally defined as the physical removal of soil (e.g. blood, protein, microorganisms) from the surfaces of devices to prepare them for safe handling and/or further reprocessing.

Cleaning is an important and mandatory first step of reprocessing as it ensures that soil does not interfere with any subsequent disinfection process.

Disinfection

Disinfection is the process by which microorganisms are destroyed in order to prevent transmission to the next patient via a medical device.

It is important to determine the Spaulding Classification of the device which indicates the disinfection level to use. There are different disinfection levels each with a different efficacy spectrum. The Spaulding Classification should be applied to the probe prior to the procedure based on what the probe will contact during use.

Learn about High-Level Disinfection (HLD) with trophon^®3

Storage

Appropriate storage is required to prevent recontamination of reprocessed medical devices. Standard storage conditions such as being clean, dry, away from extreme heat and UV light should be observed.

High-level disinfected ultrasound probes should be labelled and stored in single use clean storage covers or in dedicated storage cabinets for optimal protection.

Find out more about trophon Clean Ultrasound Probe Cover