Cleaning ultrasound probes

What this is: how to clean and disinfect Visionflex wireless ultrasound probes.

Who it's for: clinicians and staff who scan with or look after the probes.

Remove all gel, then clean and disinfect the probe with an ultrasound-approved wipe after every patient. All three probes are for external use only. Use this article with the Commission's recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting ultrasound transducers. The manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) are the final word on cleaning each device. Where this article and the IFU differ, follow the IFU. Your organisation's infection prevention policy applies on top of both.

Steps after every scan

Straight after the scan, wipe all gel off the probe with a dry, soft tissue. Dried gel is hard to remove and shields microorganisms from the disinfectant.
Clean the whole probe, including the lens, housing and seams, with a cleaning wipe the IFU approves.
Disinfect with an ultrasound-approved disinfectant wipe listed in the IFU. Keep the surface wet for the full contact time.
Let it air dry. Don't dry the lens with paper towel, which scratches it.
Check the lens and housing for cracks, swelling or peeling. Take a damaged probe out of use.
Store it in its case or a clean, covered space, not loose in a drawer with other devices.

Which level of disinfection you need

How the probe is used	Barrier	Cleaning after use
On intact skin: general, cardiac, abdominal, obstetric (transabdominal), vascular, musculoskeletal	None needed	Clean, then low or intermediate level disinfection
On broken skin or wounds, or to guide a needle	Sterile single-use probe cover and sterile gel	Clean, then high level disinfection as the IFU and your policy require
Inside the body	Not permitted	These probes aren't approved for internal use

Don't use alcohol, bleach, peroxide or solvent wipes on the probe lens unless the IFU lists them. They harden and crack the lens over time.

Use gel from single-use sachets, or from a bottle that's only refilled after it's been emptied and cleaned. Never top up a bottle.

Konted C10HL Wireless Dual-Head Ultrasound

A wireless pocket probe with a phased array head for cardiac and deeper imaging and a linear array head for vascular, musculoskeletal and small parts imaging.

Clean and disinfect both heads after every patient, even if you only used one. Gel and hands reach both.
Wipe the housing and the area where the two heads meet.
Charge it only with the supplied charger, and keep the charging contacts dry and free of gel.

Manual: contact Visionflex support for the C10HL IFU.

Sonon Ultrasound Probe 500L, Vascular and Bone - Wireless

A linear wireless probe for vascular access, musculoskeletal and superficial imaging. When you use it to guide a needle, use a sterile probe cover and sterile gel.

Clean and disinfect after each patient as above.
Charge it only with the supplied charger, and keep the battery area dry and free of gel.

Manual: contact Visionflex support for the Sonon 500L user manual.

Sonon Ultrasound Probe 300C, Abdominal, Wireless

A convex wireless probe for abdominal and general imaging, including transabdominal obstetric views.

Clean and disinfect after each patient as above.
Keep spare batteries charged, and keep the battery area dry and free of gel.

Manual: Wireless ultrasound user guide

Need help? Visit visionflex.com/support | email support@visionflex.com | call +61 2 8914 4000 (9am to 5pm AEST)

This is general guidance, not legal, clinical or financial advice. Always work within your scope of practice and your organisation's policies. Confirm your privacy and other legal obligations under the Privacy Act and current legislation, and seek professional advice for specific clinical, financial or medico-legal questions.

Visionflex acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.