At our facility, we use a Theracide wipe between each patient  -- first the
key board and trackball and then down to the transducer (cleanest to
dirtest).  We worry about cross contamination quite a bit, since working in
a hospital setting with all those wonderful little resistant bugs floating
around.
----- Original Message -----
From: jmcgonne <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 1999 3:58 PM
Subject: Scanhead disinfecton


> I am looking at my departments practice regarding the
cleaning/disinfection of
> scanhead, cable, and instrument between patients.   I feel that there is
> potential for cross contamination between patients and wondered what is
the
> standard in the industry.   We do not routinely disinfect the scanhead
between
> patients.  For carotid duplex the probe is not cleaned with a disinfectant
> routinely,  for venous duplex the scanhead is cleaned more often but not
> between each patient.  The scanhead is always disinfected whenever it
comes in
> contact with body fluids or blood.
> Currently I use a product manufactured by Professional Dosposables Incorp.
> (PDI)  www.pdipdi.com ,  the product is called Sani-Cloth germicidal
wipes.
> These are easy to use and are effective in disinfecting according to the
> product information.
> Our staff recently decided that disinfecting the scanhead, cable,
trackball
> etc. be done after each case.  Is there any universal standards.  Your
> comments are appreciated.  Post a note or write to me directly.  Thanks.
>           Jerry McGonnell, RVT
>           Mercy Medical Center
>           Canton, OH