Currently, to clean a RMD or the probe. 1. You can just wipe it...

Currently, to clean a RMD or the probe.

1. You can just wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe - this is a low disinfection method. Note; you cannot use probes that have been though this method for open surgery.

2. To Sterilise, its much more complicated, but a more aseptic method. You have to be able to manually pressurise the probe, immerse in detergent, wash it, dry it, pack it, de-pressurise then process through a Sterrad (R) (TM) Machine. This Sterrad machine in question is produced by ASP (Advanced Sterilisation Products) which is parented by Johnson and Johnson Company. Sterrad is a H202 or Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma process. Sterrad uses Hydrogen Peroxide but is dispersed through a electrode which creates a plasma which is sterilant if executed over a period of time pre-selected by the technician. This method is one of few only aseptic methods used to sterilise probes for open surgery.

3. Chemical Sterilisation. This was rendered almost obsolete by Sterrad. It requires immersing the probe in a chemical called Glutaraldehyde. This is not ideal under the current AS4187-2014 standards. It was not recommended due to cancerous chemicals and the risk of non-compliance mixing the wrong dose of chemical to water. Not only to mention the excessive sterilisation times. This is a point of use - sterilisation method.

3a ETO Gas - Ethylene Oxide Gas Plasma. Forget it. This was a process used prior to Sterrad. It is used only in manufacturing now and on decline. Basically involved leaving the probe in a chamber then filling if Ethylene Gas. This is very cancerous and takes almost a day to sterilise.

4 - Nanosonics Trophon. This is a very handy product to achieve a high disinfection on probes. You will always need to use wipes to de-contaminate the probes before hanging the in disinfector for processing. Its much safer and the ability to record and document processes though the machine is a huge benefit. However, this product again only disinfects probes, so it cannot be used for open surgery, so it will always be limited to Radiographers and Doctors Surgeries.

To Sum up - Sterrad is Nanosonics rival. Sterrad is crazy expensive. Like $150,000 per machine and then around $500 per probe reprocessing cost. Nanosonics makes a very high level disinfection device for a much cheaper price - aimed at smaller business. Remember these Radiology business are only doing a external diagnosis not surgery so a disinfection is still okay. Private and public hospitals will use the Sterrad device for open surgery use probes.

Hope I explained this clearly. It can get complicated quickly.