Monday 13 June 2016




ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER COVERS

These are the materials helping to prevent transfer of microorganisms, body fluid and particulate materials to the patient and health care workers during reuse of the transducers.

Need of Ultrasound covers
  • Prevents cross contamination
  • Reduces the need of sterilization after each use
  • Prevents the direct contact between gel and probe head ,hence reduces the risk of probe damage.

Types

  1. Latex Type
  2. Latex free Type
  3. Self adhesive Type


Latex type
  • Cover material is latex


.
Later free Type
  • Cover material is Polyurethane




Self Adhesive latex free Type
  • Cover material is Polyethylene
  • It eliminates the use of gels.


Properties of covers based on the applications

Covers used for urology and Gynecology applications
  • Thin
  • Made of very tear resistance materials
  • Straight or tapered shape
  • Sterile and non Sterile versions are available
Covers for Cardiology applications
  • Latex free products
  • Sterile and non sterile versions are available.





Monday 6 June 2016



CARING AND HANDLING OF ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER



         The following recommendations help to reduce preventable transducer damages and support a long life for transducers. 

DO

  • Handle all transducers with extreme care.
  • Ensure that connected transducers are placed in the probe holder. 
  • Wall-mounted transducer holders with lens facing up. 
  • If a transducer appears to be damaged,discontinue use and notify the service representative.

Possible physical damages are limited to:  

                      
                       1.  Bend or broken probe pins.
                       2.  Cable cut or splitting.
                       3.  Surface cracks.
                       4.  Exposed wires or sheilding.
                       5.  Fluid leaks.                                                                                                                                     

  • Disconnect transducers from ultrasound system prior to cleaning or disinfecting.           
  • Clean and disinfect all transducers following procedures contained in the system basic user manual.
  • Follow the chemical manufacture  recommendation regarding use and handling of the chemical.    
  • Always use bit guards with transesophageal(TEE) probes.

DO NOT


  • Do not drop or knock the transducer or transducer lens.This may lead to crystal failure.
  • Do not leave the transducers in places where they are subjected to being knocked.
  • Do not let transducer cables loosely from the ultrasound system.
  • Do not drop transducers into holders or disinfectant containers with lens face down.
  • Do not immerse transducers deeper than permissible levels.Never immerse the connector or adaptor into any liquid.
  • Do not apply excessive bending or pulling force to the transducer cable.
  • Do not apply excessive force on the probe cable or TEE endoscope shaft.Insulation failure may result.

  • To know more about GE transducer care click here
  • To know more about Philips ultrasound probe careclick here

WHEN WE NEED TO REPAIR THE PROBE ???? Many of the probe damages are repairable at initial state. But in many cases the Practitio...