Also called: Ultrasound probe disinfection, Transvaginal probe HLD, Probe cleaning
Ultrasound Probe Disinfection: Cleaning and High-Level Disinfection
Which level of reprocessing each probe needs, the steps between patients, and why a probe cover alone is not enough for an endocavity scan.
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Match the reprocessing to the risk
Infection-control practice sorts equipment by what it touches (the Spaulding classification). The same probe can need a different level on different patients, depending on how it was used.
| How the probe was used | Risk level | Minimum between patients |
|---|---|---|
| Intact skin — abdomen, thyroid, most POCUS | Non-critical | Clean, then low- or intermediate-level disinfection |
| Mucous membranes — transvaginal, transrectal, transoesophageal | Semi-critical | Clean, then high-level disinfection, even when a cover was used |
| Broken skin, wounds, needle procedures through skin | Semi-critical | Sterile cover and sterile single-use gel during the scan; high-level disinfection after |
| Sterile body sites — intraoperative scanning | Critical | Sterile cover and sterile gel; sterilisation or high-level disinfection, as the probe’s instructions allow |
Read next Spaulding classification and sterilisers (autoclave.my)
Steps between patients
- Remove the cover, if one was used, and wipe off all gel with a soft disposable cloth straight after the scan.
- Clean the probe face, housing and the first part of the cable with a wipe or detergent the probe maker approves — disinfectant cannot work through left-over gel or soil.
- Inspect the lens and housing for cracks, swelling or sharp edges. A damaged probe cannot be reliably disinfected and can injure a patient.
- Disinfect at the level the use requires, keeping the surface wet for the contact time on the product label.
- Rinse after a chemical soak if the instructions say so — residue can irritate mucous membranes.
- Dry, then store where the probe cannot be recontaminated: a clean holder or a ventilated cabinet, not back in the foam carry case.
High-level disinfection methods you will see
Whatever the method, use only products and systems on the probe maker’s compatibility list for that probe model. The wrong chemical can crack the lens, swell the housing and void the warranty. Never immerse the connector, and immerse the cable only as far as the instructions allow.
Liquid soak
The probe is immersed in a high-level disinfectant such as ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) or glutaraldehyde for the labelled time, then rinsed. It needs a ventilated area, a soak container marked with the immersion line, test strips to confirm the solution’s strength and protection for staff.
Automated hydrogen-peroxide mist
A closed cabinet mists and dries the probe in minutes and keeps a printed or digital record. Less chemical handling and good traceability; the cabinet and its consumables add to running costs.
UV-C systems
Some UV-C cabinets are validated for high-level disinfection of specific probe models. Only a system validated for your probe counts — a general UV box is not high-level disinfection.
Validated wipe systems
Some multi-step wipe systems carry a high-level disinfection claim for specified probes. Check the claim covers your probe and that the probe maker lists the product as compatible.
Probe covers and gel
- Covers can tear or have holes too small to see, so endocavity probes still need high-level disinfection after every patient.
- Use covers made for ultrasound, check whether they contain latex and ask patients about latex allergy.
- Use sterile single-use gel for procedures, broken skin and sterile sites; many clinics also use it for endocavity scans.
- Outbreaks have been traced to contaminated non-sterile gel. Do not top up or refill gel bottles, keep them closed between uses and date them when opened.
- Keep gel warmers clean and dry — a warm, damp warmer is a good place for bacteria to grow.
Read next Gel, covers and accessories
Records and traceability
For every high-level disinfection, record the date and time, the probe serial number, the patient or scan it followed, the method, the operator and — for liquid disinfectants — the test-strip result and soak time. Automated systems often store this for you. Records let you trace a probe to a patient if a problem is found later, and they are what auditors and accreditation bodies ask to see.
Related guides
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Frequently asked questions
Is a probe cover enough for a transvaginal scan?
Can an ultrasound probe be autoclaved?
Which disinfectant should I use on my ultrasound probe?
Does a probe used on intact skin need high-level disinfection?
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