Know when to HLD
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA AND STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATION FOR ULTRASOUND USERS:
There has been some significant changes to the Australian and New Zealand Standards around the use of reusable medical devices. These changes affect any health service in Australia and New Zealand that use ultrasound machines in a semi-critical environment. Semi-critical includes ultrasound guided nerve blocks, biopsies, infected skin, open wounds etc
The Australian Society of ultrasound (ASUM) together with The Australian College of Infection Prevention (ACIPC) have put together joint guidelines around ultrasound use based on the AS/NZS 4187: 2014 standards. A copy of the ASUM/ACIPC Guidelines can be found here
“In Australia, ultrasound is increasingly utilised as an imaging modality in a diversity of care environments. Each ultrasound procedure involves contact between an ultrasound transducer and the patient’s skin, mucous membranes, or sterile tissues. Failure to adhere to minimum infection control standards, including the proper cleaning and reprocessing of the equipment and transducers, increases the risk of pathogen transmission and subsequent infection. Lack of compliance with scientifically based guidelines for infection control has led to numerous outbreaks arising from ultrasound examinations,2–10 including cases of infection resulting from ultrasound-guided procedures,4,11–13 and ultrasound transducers that have not undergone appropriate disinfection (Medical Device Alert Ref: MDA/2012/037)14,15 or have been damaged. ”
It is important to note. These standards determine whether a health service organisation is fit for purpose. You can not gain accreditation as a health service organisation in Australia or New Zealand unless you comply with AS/NZS 4187: 2014.
If you have any questions in relation to Ultrasound reprocessing you can contact your Infection Control Department or Consultancy Provider.
Download our free guide on when to High Level Disinfect for your department
Record Keeping
Record keeping is a very important component of AS/NZS 4187: 2014 compliance. Each HLD cycle must be recorded and attached to a patient record. (details can be found in the ASUM/ACIPC guidelines). Record keeping will also be audited for compliance. Health service organisations must prove each patient is not at risk of infection due to the use of ultrasound and have a system in place to enable recall procedures.
Storage and Transportation:
Adequate storage is required post HLD, to prevent cross contamination. This is best practice across any disinfection procedure.
Storage cabinets or clean probe covers are required after HLD.