Miss Laura Johnston1
1Nanosonics, Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Laura Johnston has been working in the medical industry for over 25 years. She is the APAC Medical Affairs Manager for Nanosonics.
Abstract:
Ultrasound probes are a diverse group of medical devices, varying in shape, size and surface features. Ensuring complete coverage of the device surface can be challenging: any high-level disinfection (HLD) process must be able to reliably achieve surface coverage on probes of dozens of different shapes and sizes. Many probes also have indentations or other uneven surface features that may be less accessible to some disinfection modalities. This study evaluated the efficacy of the trophon device, an automated hydrogen peroxide mist system, on ultrasound probes with complex surface features.
Ultrasound probes were assessed to identify probes containing unique surface features not previously validated within the trophon device. These probes underwent microbial efficacy testing according to recognised standards for simulated-use testing of medical devices. Multiple inoculation sites were chosen on each probe, to compare efficacy in the regions of complex surface features as well as comparatively flat or smooth areas of the probe. Acceptance criteria for high-level disinfection was defined as a 6-log reduction in Mycobacterium species, as per regulations.
All probes demonstrated at least a 6-log reduction in Mycobacterium species, meaning that all probes passed testing based on HLD acceptance criteria. The results demonstrate that the trophon device delivers equivalent efficacy in regions with complex surface features as it does on comparatively flat and easy to access areas of the probe.