Using the Manufacturer's Instructions for Use and Spaulding Classification System to Assess Disinfection Practices for Ultrasound Transducers in the Perioperative Setting

Abstract

Proper use and disinfection of medical devices and instruments is essential to preventing infection and providing safe patient care. Because of an increase in the complexity of medical devices and patient interventions, it has become more difficult for perioperative staff members to ensure that equipment is properly used and disinfected according to the manufacturer's instructions for use and the Spaulding classification system. One type of medical device that may have multiple clinical uses is the ultrasound transducer. In the perioperative setting, ultrasound transducers can be used for surface, percutaneous, and endocavitary procedures. They also may be used at multiple times before, during, and after a procedure, which may make it challenging for perioperative staff members to know the correct disinfection practice. They should use the device's instructions for use and the Spaulding classification system to guide their clinical practice.

Keywords: high-level disinfection (HLD); low-level disinfection (LLD); manufacturer's instructions for use (MIFU); noncritical device; semicritical device.