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