FibroScan®
Recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting
FibroScan® probes and machine
Information provided on this webpage is a synopsis of the cleaning and disinfecting protocols described in your user manual.
Information
Always refer to the recommendations present in the user guide.
It is essential to follow specific local infection control protocols. Information provided on this website does not supersede the local infection control protocols.
Terminology
> System: keyboard, screen, handles, probe holders
> FibroScan®(VCTE™) probes
> Ultrasound localization probe
Cleaning the device and probes
Prior cleaning is necessary to ensure effective disinfection
> Clean using a soft cloth soaked in purified or soapy water
> Wipe down with a soft cloth dampened with water
> Dry carefully with a clean, soft and absorbent cloth
Probe Disinfection
The probes must be cleaned and disinfected between each examination.
a) Probe disinfection agents
Disinfectant agents compatible with the probes were cross-referenced with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) List N (products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2). In addition, we reviewed the cleaning agent manufacturer claims effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2.
b) Cleaning and disinfectant products prohibited for use on the FibroScan® probe (housing, cable, and transducer)
Any product that is not explicitly intended for cleaning or disinfecting medical devices must not be used.
The products listed below must not be used on the device, probes, or accessories
> Sodium hydroxide and/or sodium hypochlorite disinfectant products
> Hydrogen peroxide disinfectant products
> Household products, particularly scouring powders or alkaline detergents (pH > 9) containing bleach, caustic soda, potash or ammonia
> Pure or dilute acid solutions of whatever type, including household vinegar
> Hydrocarbon solvents: alkanes, alkenes, benzene, toluene, xylene, gasoline
> Oxygenated solvents: ethanol, methanol (methylated spirits), acetone, MIBK, acetic acid, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate (nail varnish remover), ether, glycol ethers, DMF, DMSO, HMPT
>Halogenated solvents: perchloroethylene, trichlorethylene, dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrachloromethane
c) Cleaning and disinfectant products prohibited for use on the ultrasound localization probe (housing, cable, and transducer)
> Phenol
> Benzothonium chloride
> pHisohex
> Benzoyl peroxide
> Hydrogen peroxide
d) Probe disinfection protocol
It is not necessary to switch off the device before cleaning and disinfecting the probe.
Surfaces of the probe must be cleaned and disinfected strictly in the order described below.
1
Point the probe and transducer downwards.
2
Remove any remaining traces of gel with a soft cloth.
3
Clean the surfaces with a soft cloth or a wipe that has been dampened with the recommended cleaning product.
Note: if necessary, wipe down the surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with water.
4
Dry the probe with a soft, dry cloth.
5
Wipe the surfaces using a soft cloth or a wipe soaked in the recommended disinfectant solution.
6
Dry the probe with a soft, dry cloth.
7
Examine the transducer and probe cable for any damage such as cracks, breakage, or liquid leakage.
System disinfection (keyboard, screen, handles, probe holders)
Currently, no disinfecting product or protocol has been tested on the FibroScan® system.
Please refer to the cleaning section.
