Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Switch to Chemical-Free High-Level Disinfection for Ultrasound Probes
Introduction
In the healthcare realm, guaranteeing the safety and cleanliness of medical equipment is crucial. This extends to semi-critical ultrasound probes, like transvaginal and transrectal probes, which enter the patient’s body cavity and pose a high risk of infection transmission. Historically, chemical-based methods such as hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide, or ortho-phthalade have been employed for high-level disinfection (HLD) of these probes.
With recent advancement and innovation, automated UVC disinfection is now a game-changer in ultrasound HLD that promises efficiency, safety, and eco-friendliness.
Let’s explore the top 5 reasons why this transition is a must for healthcare facilities with ultrasound services:
1. Efficiency and Speed
Imagine high-level disinfection (HLD) of ultrasound probes in just 90 seconds! Germitec Chronos requires no warm-up time, preparation of chemicals, colour indicators or manual recording of procedure. As seen from this study done in Imperial College, the use of UVC HLD with Chronos significantly saves time and improves workflow in healthcare settings.
Image adapted from Irasutoya
2. No Chemical Residue = No Rinse Required
Chemical disinfection often leaves behind residues that necessitate additional rinsing steps, posing risks to both staff and patients if not thoroughly removed. Moreover, the residue removal process itself carries the risk of probe recontamination. In contrast, Chronos technology uses UVC light photons for disinfection, which leaves no residue on the ultrasound probe, resulting in a rinse-free, dry surface.
Image adapted from Irasutoya
3. Safety for Patients and Staff
Some high concentration disinfectants can be harsh and may cause skin and eye irritation or even burns upon exposure. Chronos UVC enclosed disinfection chamber, on the other hand, is non-toxic and does not produce harmful fumes, making it a safer choice for users and patients. This is particularly crucial in fields like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), where the delicate oocytes can be sensitive to residual chemicals left on the ultrasound probe. This eventually may affect IVF success rates.
Image from KKH IVF
4. Go Green
Join the green revolution with chemical-free disinfection! By reducing chemical waste, energy consumption, and the need for multiple disposable gloves and wipes, Chronos UVC systems promote environmental sustainability while maintaining top-notch hygiene standards.
Image from Irasutoya
5. Elimination of Storage Hazards and Regulatory Compliance
Chemical-based disinfection methods like hydrogen peroxide require careful storage and handling due to their potential hazards. In Singapore, under the Arms and Explosives Act, Chapter 13, Sections 2 (1) and 45, high concentration hydrogen peroxide (above 20%) is a controlled item under the category of explosive precursor. This means that possession, storage, and disposal of hydrogen peroxide chemicals requires a valid police license, which adds unnecessary regulatory complexity, time, and costs. Additionally, licensed facilities will need to install CCTV systems for monitoring and compliance purposes, further adding to the operational overhead.
Document from Singapore Police Force
Conclusion
The shift towards chemical-free high-level disinfection using Chronos Automated UVC systems for HLD of ultrasound probes offers numerous advantages in terms of efficiency, safety, environmental impact, regulatory compliance and cost. Healthcare facilities considering upgrading their ultrasound disinfection protocols should strongly consider the benefits outlined above and make the switch to a more advanced and sustainable approach to disinfection today!
Contact us today for an obligation-free demonstration at your ultrasound department!
Image from Germitec
