Ultrasound Probe Compatibility
Chronos® and Antigermix® AE1 Over 1,000 probes from major manufacturers are tested, approved and endorsed
What ultrasound probes are compatible with the Chronos® and AE1?
The utilisation of plastics has gained popularity in medical device assembly because of their strength, weight, cost savings, aesthetics and performance properties. Medical Grade Polymers are commonly used to manufacture and assemble surgical instruments, catheters, endoscopes, ultrasound probes and other medical devices.
These medical-grade polymers are designed specifically for use in medical applications that enable the medical devices to be capable of withstanding repeated cycles of ethylene oxide (EtO), radiation (UV-C), chemical sterilants and autoclaving.1
No harsh chemicals
UV-C light has been shown to be non-corrosive to the sensitive plastic polymers found on ultrasound probe cables.
This is why the length of the probe cord can also be high level disinfected within Antigermix AE1 or Hypernova Chronos. This compares well with harsh chemicals methods used so far that are corrosive and can potentially damage probe materials and cause glue disintegration.
Germitec’s probe compatibility testing process:
Germitec products comply to the European Directive 93/42/CEE and lists all the Medical Devices (External, TV and TR probes) which are compatible with Antigermix (AE1) and Hypernova Chronos.
The compatibility between Medical Devices can be demonstrated in several ways:
Germitec conducts various tests in collaboration with probe manufacturers to ensure probe compatibility is achieved. These include (i) tests in laboratories on probes or on materials provided by manufacturers; (ii) tests in laboratories on materials representative of those used in the probes; (iii) documentary studies; (iv) field observations of probes in real use.
With some probes, UV-C can cause slight discolouration of the housing and the cable. However, slight discolouration does not affect the performance of the ultrasound probe and these changes can be minimised by proper cleaning prior to each UV-C cycle. Cleaning of the device is a necessary part of the decontamination process.
In comparison, chemical disinfectants are also known to cause discolouration to the surface of ultrasound probes. Also, as with UVC such discolouration change does not impact the performance, safety or lifetime of the probe. For example, Cidex OPA IFU states signs of surface discolouration can occur after 7 days or more.2Â Chemical system may cause discoloration of exposed areas to Vscan Airâ„¢ probes.3
The Collaborative Probe Compatibility Program provides confidence that over 1,000 probes from major manufacturers have been tested, approved and endorsed for use with Hypernova Chronos and AE1.
Probes listed in Germitec’s Ultrasound Probe Compatibility List have shown UV-C to be non-corrosive to the sensitive medical-grade polymers found on ultrasound probes and their probe cables. This is why the length of probe cables can also be high level disinfected within Hypernova Chronos and AE1.Â
The Ultrasound Probe Compatibility list continually evolves and is updated regularly following tests performed by Probe Manufacturers and/or Germitec.
In achieving full transparency with its customer base, Germitec publishes a list of compatible probes in 2 different categories:
- Category 1: Probes which have been jointly approved by the probe manufacturer and Germitec. In the probe compatibility list, they are identified with a Blue circle.
- Category 2: Probes which have been approved by Germitec and are waiting for Probe manufacturer tests. In the probe compatibility list, they are identified with a Green circle.
