An ultrasound machine is a valuable asset in a medical practice. It helps provide convenient, cost-effective and quality medical care to patients.
If you are a physician running a medical office, you very well know how much thought and planning went into the purchase of a suitable ultrasound machine for your treatment purposes.
As opposed to earlier times, buyers now have a vast variety of products to choose from. Overseas manufacturers, especially Chinese companies, have flooded the market with medical devices of all kinds. You also find umpteen numbers of sellers on online market places like eBay and Amazon. Most are reliable, but you need to be wary of fly by night operators who sell devices of dubious quality, putting both the health of your patients as well as your reputation at risk.
Dig deep, well beyond the websites of manufacturers, and scour online user reviews and dependable comparison sites, to zero in on a suitable equipment for your practice. Used ultrasound machines are available to suit every need and budget and are preferred for their quality and competitive price. But the job does not end there.
Consistent, timely and expert maintenance is also important. User guidelines and maintenance protocols vary for different manufacturers, but there are a few things applicable to all. Let’s see how you can maintain your ultrasound machine in the best possible condition and keep niggling problems at bay.
Use the Ultrasound Machine Optimally
Correct and prudent use of the ultrasound machine will help you avoid a lot of problems. Improper or untrained use can damage or reduce the efficiency of the medical device. So the first step towards maintaining your equipment in good condition is professional use and expert handling.
Check the user manual regarding optimal operating conditions. A well-ventilated room is recommended. Also you need to carry out comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) activities every 6 months. If your seller gives you an extended service contract this will guarantee you peace of mind and timely assistance.
The Importance of Cleaning
Ultrasound systems and the various pieces of related equipment need to be regularly cleaned and maintained.
The peripheral devices of an ultrasound machine are made of electromechanical parts that are adversely affected by excessive dust and moisture present in the environmental air. The peripheral devices including transducers and patient physiology cables need to be wiped down with a moist cloth after each patient exam.
Transducers often have recommended cleaning procedures and products which vary according to the make and the type of the machine. See what is applicable to your equipment. Probes come into contact with patients’ bodies and need to be cleaned and disinfected periodically for safety and hygiene.
Transducers should only be cleaned with OEM-recommended cleaning solutions and disinfectants. Make sure that you do not spill or spray solutions into the transducer receptacles.
System User Interface Needs Attention
The system user interface accumulates dust over time and very often ultrasound gel, disinfectants and other liquid spills may lead to residue buildup. Timely attention is extremely crucial to prevent breakdown and expensive downtime.
The system user interface surface has electrical components beneath the top panel and if any spills or other materials seep in it will lead to intermittent failures and faulty imaging.
The user interface has several keys, buttons and knobs, and they need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. The user interface easily accumulates dust and tiny solid particles around the keys and controls. You can gently remove them with a cotton swab or a toothpick to ensure that they do not get pushed into the cabinet. Once the panel is cleaned you can wipe it over with a soft cotton cloth moistened with soap and water.
The system user interface and the Alpha numeric keyboard need to be wiped every day.
You should also wipe down other parts of the system including the painted and plastic surfaces, ECG cables, leads and probes in this manner every day.
Disinfect to Keep Your Machine Safe and Hygienic
If the equipment has come into contact with blood or other infectious substance, you need to disinfect it thoroughly. Use only OEM-approved disinfectants and ensure you follow all user instructions accurately.
The ultrasound system is a complex piece of medical equipment. It is made up of several circuit boards and wires, service diagnostics, advanced operating software and thousands of smaller mechanical parts. So if complete service is required and you need to disinfect and clean the whole system it is better to leave it to an expert service professional.
For an in-house procedure, you need to first clean the user interface system as outlined above.
After cleaning, spray the disinfectant into a cloth or applicator, and then gently wipe down the surfaces and parts of the system. Never spray the disinfectant directly onto any part of the system because it may lead to pooling or the solution may seep into the system. This will damage the system and null the warranty of the machine.
Always ensure the disinfectant strength and contact duration are as recommended for the said clinical application.
Clean Air Filters Systematically
Ultrasound systems have air filters that need to be inspected every week and cleaned as often as required. If the filter has become very dirty it needs to be given a thorough wash with soap and water. Also, always refer to operator's manual for approved disinfectants, solutions, and proper air filter maintenance. It is recommended you keep an extra filter at your medical office which can come handy if there is an emergency. Here are a few tips for you to clean the air filter effectively.
Ensure the system is switched off and then remove it from the wall outlet. The air filter has a handle by which you can carefully pull it out of the system. If the filter is dirty you can vacuum it or wash it with soap and water. Ensure the filter is fully dry before putting it back. If you put the filter back without drying completely it can damage the system.
Also, never switch on the ultrasound machine when the air filter is removed.
Conclusion
Expert and attentive maintenance is essential for your ultrasound machine to function well and remain trouble-free. Follow simple and effective maintenance tips to reap the full benefits of your investment in a high-quality medical equipment.
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