ultrasound probe disinfection

In the world of healthcare, It is impossible to forget about the power of ultrasound and its diagnostic abilities to benefit society. It has constantly advanced to even provide us with 4D real-time imaging providing a more detailed assessment of fetal anatomy and cardiac arrest. When using it for such purposes, It is important to take care of and disinfect the equipment for the next user. In this blog, we will scan the ultrasound probe disinfection market, the disinfection process, and the array of users. 

Scientific Outlook Into The Ultrasound Probe 

An ultrasound probe is a device that produces sound waves that bob off body tissues and make echoes. The probe, also known as the transducer, likewise gets the echoes and sends them to a PC that utilizes them to make an ultrasound image. Probes come in various shapes and sizes for use in making pictures of various pieces of the body. The probe might be disregarded in the body’s outer layer or embedded into an opening like the rectum or vagina.

Market Outlook And Growth Factors

The ultrasound probe disinfection market was valued at USD 568.13 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.5%, generating a whooping revenue of USD 1775.87 million by 2032. All the credit goes to the new advancements and rising Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI). What is HAI? It is the infection a person gets while they are undergoing medical treatment. Products that are used to disinfect the ultrasound probes are :

  • Consumables: Disposable covers or sheaths that protect the ultrasound probe and provide a barrier against contamination during procedures.
  • Instruments: Ultrasound probe disinfection devices or systems that utilize various technologies to clean and disinfect ultrasound probes between patient use effectively.
  • Services: Professional services offered by specialized companies or technicians for the disinfection and maintenance of ultrasound probes, ensuring compliance with industry standards and guidelines.

Process Of Disinfection 

 

  1. High-Level Disinfection

 

 

High-level disinfection is a thorough process that eliminates or inactivates nearly all forms of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from medical devices such as ultrasound probes. This process involves the use of potent disinfectants or germicides that have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, capable of killing resistant pathogens and spores.

High-level disinfection requires a longer exposure time than intermediate/low-level disinfection and often involves immersing the ultrasound probe in a liquid disinfectant or using automated disinfection systems.It is typically recommended for semi-critical medical devices that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin, where there is a moderate to high risk of infection transmission.

  1. Intermediate/Low-Level Disinfection

This segment held the largest share of the ultrasound probe disinfection market in 2022. Intermediate/low-level disinfection is a process that eliminates most microorganisms, except for some resistant bacteria, viruses, and spores, from medical devices like ultrasound probes. This type of disinfection involves the use of less potent disinfectants or germicides compared to high-level disinfection, which reduces the risk of device damage or adverse reactions.

Intermediate/low-level disinfection can be achieved through manual cleaning and disinfection using disinfectant wipes, sprays, or solutions specifically formulated for medical devices. It is typically recommended for non-critical medical devices or surfaces that come into contact with intact skin, where the risk of infection transmission is lower.

Imaging The Conclusion

Ensuring proper disinfection of ultrasound probes is crucial for preventing cross-contamination and reducing the risk of infection transmission. Hence, proper disinfection of probes is important. Thus, awareness about the same is what drives the ultrasound probe disinfection market growth.

As the field of ultrasound continues to advance, it is imperative to stay updated with the latest developments in probe disinfection techniques and technologies. By prioritizing effective disinfection practices, healthcare professionals can harness the full potential of ultrasound technology while promoting patient safety and well-being.