HELP REDUCE PROBE SPEND IN YOUR DEPARTMENT OR FACILITY

Education is Key

I’ve been asked to help organizations educate their staff on probe care and handling to reduce the overall cost for repair and replacement.  Because the mishandling of probes is the #1 cause of damage and need for repair, you can play a significant role in reducing the risk and therefore the cost of probe repair and replacement by offering some knowledge.

PROPER PROBE CARE AND HANDLING

Sonographers are handling the probes on a daily basis.  Each  cable is vulnerable. Each connector pin is vulnerable.  Every sterilization process creates an opportunity for damage if improper procedure is used or if a damaged probe is immersed in a solution. Because of their daily use and vulnerability, there is a high risk of damage. Typically physical damage to probes is NOT covered by warranty and can cost the facility  several thousands of dollars.

Most common avoidable damage includes:

• General imaging probes:  broken cable casings
• Transesophageal probes:  over-soaking, bites though the probe tube

HOW DO YOU REDUCE THE RISK OF DAMAGED PROBES?:

1. Get to know the sonographers in the department or in your facility.
2. Find out how they are handling, storing, transporting, and sterilizing the probes.
3. Make recommendations to improve their care and handling
   1. rolling excess chord, protecting it against casters when transporting
   2. using sterilizing methods consistent with the OEM recommendations
4. Transesophageal: are they using bite guards with their patients
5. Conduct periodic visual inspection of probes – during scheduled PM’s and all service calls

By performing the above mentioned actions, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your probes.

AUS Tech Support can assist with probe assessment,   probe care and handling advice, or any other issue. If you have questions, call  866-620-2831.