While many devices and medical instruments are now designed for single-use, the vast majority of the more complex components and devices are designed for multiple uses. This allows for a wider choice of materials in the design and manufacturing of the devices, but it also creates a concern with cross-contamination.
To address this issue, several different types of cleaning systems have evolved. Autoclaving and the use of sanitizing chemicals can be used for some equipment, but the extreme heat and the chemicals themselves can be destructive to the parts and components. Additionally, the chemical residue can pose a risk for patient health, which is in itself an issue.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
To create a better alternative, scientists have developed the ultrasonic cleaner. This is a specialized cleaning process that uses sound waves to create uniform sizes of bubbles in a heated solution with an enzymatic cleaner to effectively remove any foreign material from the surface. In addition to the cleaner and the heat, there is the need for a specific wash cycle time as well as the mechanical action of the cleaner system.
The Use of the Ultrasonic Cleaner Test Strip
With simple to read test strips that are included with the cleaning cycle, the staff at hospitals can verify with an independent test the wash cycle, temperature and mechanical action, as well as the enzymatic detergent, are all in the effective operational range.
This visual confirmation from the ultrasonic cleaner test strip ensures that any and all medical equipment or devices processed with that cycle have been exposed to the cleaning conditions that are required to ensure quality, sanitary and safe equipment are met.
The use of the ultrasonic cleaner test should be done at least once a week, but most facilities test more frequently. With the low cost of these test strips, many of the top medical facilities choose to use a test strip with each cleaning cycle, providing additional confidence that all protocols are being maintained.
