LEAKAGE TESTING OF TEE PROBES

TEE Probes are the esophageal probes. The leakage in this kind of probes may cause esophageal injury to the patients. So it is very necessary to perform the leak test on the probe for ensuring the  safety of the patients.

Causes of electric leakage in TEE probes

• Hole or bite mark in the rubber insulation
• Improper use of disinfection
• Fluid infiltration
• Corrosion

Equipment required for leak testing

1. TEE Basin
2. Enzymatic solution (Saline solution)
3. TEE Leakage current tester
4. TEE Adaptor

Procedure:

• Pre-clean the TEE probe
• Inspect the probe for bite mark,hole etc
• Fill the TEE with saline solution (Eg:- Aspeti-zyme)
• Attach the TEE probe adaptor
• Place the TEE probe in the solution in such a way that the entire probe is fully immersed int the saline water and not the handles
• Place the adaptor's dual electrode in the saline water
• Conduct leakage test in TEE leakage tester
• Evaluate the results 

To watch the TEE probe leak testing video click here

TEE PROBE CARING

TEE probes are the most sensitive link in an ultrasound imaging system. Because they are used by different medical persons,tested,cleaned and transported with in the hospital, they are suspectable to all types of damages resulting from dropping, aggressive cleaning method and banging. So these types of expensive probes need proper caring which includes inspection,well handling,cleaning and disinfection.

What can hurt a TEE probe ????

1. Electro-static discharge on or around the lens or pins
2. Not use of bite guard
3. Improper handling like dropping and banging
4. Improper disinfection
5. Improper storage and transportation

 Caring of TEE probes

1. Inspection 

• Inspect probe on regular basis. It includes:

1. Visual inspection of TEE probe parts like lens, bending rubber etc.
2. Testing of articulation mechanism
3. Electrical leakage testing

2. Handling and storage

• Probe should be handled as per manufacturer's specification. 
• Log book should be kept to document frequency of check.
• TEE probe should be transported in either a caring case or clear pillow case to prevent unnecessary banging of probes.
• Probe should be stored in a place where it can hang.
• Written procedure to be in place for care and handling of the TEE probes.
• Gloves are worn when handling probes.

3. Cleaning and Disinfection

• Immediately after use the probe should be washed with soapy water, rinsed off, and patted dry before immersing in the sterilisation fluid.

• Probe should soak a set amount of time as directed by the type of sterilisation solution being used.
• When removed from solution, probe should be rinsed off and patted dry before putting away.
• Ensure sterilisation room is well ventilated and away from the scanning room.
•  Always have process of probe sterilisation reviewed by an infection control specialist.
• Solution should be changed every 14 days or time suggested by the manufacturer ; maintain record with the date and initials of staff who changed the solution.

      To know more about TEE probe caring click on the below links

        GE TEE probe care

        Philips TEE probe care

MEDISON PROBES

• Medison 3D4-9 
• Medison 3D4-9 
• Medison 6.5 EV (Pb-C15H-65-86)
• Medison C2-5/40
• Medison C2-8
• Medison C3-7ED-N
• Medison C3.5/60R
• Medison CN2-8 
• Medison EC4-9/13CD
• Medison EV4-9
• Medison HC2-5
• Medison HL5-9ED-N
• Medison LN5-12
• Medison LV5-12/80
• Medison PB-C15H-65-EVD
• Medison SVAW 4-7 
• Medison 3D3-5 EK
• Medison 3D5-8-EK
• Medison 6.5EC
• Medison C2-4/30R
• Medison C2-5/60 (PB-50C2-5/60ED)
• Medison C3-7
• Medison C3-7EP
• Medison C4-9
• Medison CN4-9
• Medison EC4-9ED
• Medison EVN4-9
• Medison HC3-6