As a result, the use of ultrasonic cleaners in medical facilities is growing year after year, year after year. Ultrasonic technology allows for quick and thorough cleaning. Although the ultrasonic cleaning process itself does not disinfect, the addition of the proper amount of disinfectant to the cleaning solution cleans the instruments to kill toxins and bacteria.
How to use a medical ultrasonic cleaner
While ultrasonic cleaners are effective at cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments, the cleaner must be set up for the specific cleaning application. In addition to following the surgical instrument manufacturer's instructions for use, the size, frequency, temperature and bath must be matched to the cleaning application. A good ultrasonic cleaner manufacturer can help select the right bath to configure as needed.
While ultrasonic cleaners are very effective at cleaning and disinfecting, normal medical procedures should always be followed. For example, instruments should be rinsed or kept moist immediately after use to prevent blood and other substances from drying out. Dried contaminants are more difficult to remove and cleaning may take longer.
Effective cleaning depends on the frequency of ultrasound used. Cleaners used for only one instrument application may have a fixed frequency. General-purpose cleaners can often operate at more than one frequency, depending on the item to be cleaned. Use of the correct frequency should be checked.
Sanitizing depends on using the correct sanitizer and the correct amount. The disinfectant to be used is sometimes specified and may be subject to applicability studies for specific situations. Medical personnel should verify the type and concentration of the cleaning solution.
In normal operation, a medical ultrasonic cleaner cleans stainless steel instruments that are shiny and other parts that are free of visible contaminants. A visual inspection after cleaning confirms that it is working as expected and that contaminants have been thoroughly cleaned.
In addition to general instructions for the use of ultrasonic cleaners, healthcare organizations should develop specific policies and procedures for basic use to facilitate the future use of ultrasonic technology to clean different types of instruments. Manufacturers of ultrasonic cleaners for surgical instruments can help with this task and ensure that the equipment is cleaned in each case.
Ultrasonic cleaners are an important addition to medical facility equipment, and they can improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency and reduce manual cleaning tasks. To achieve these results, ultrasonic cleaners must be configured for the specific cleaning application and used according to the correct program.