The importance of traceability in the high-level disinfection of wireless ultrasound probes
Category
Clinical Bulletins
Critical Summary
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Traceability is the process of linking reprocessing cycle information and medical device identifiers to a patient record.
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Australian and New Zealand medical device reprocessing standards require ultrasound probes classified as semi-critical and critical devices to have full traceability to the patient.
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Traceability is especially important for wireless probes, due to their portability and potential use in semi-critical or critical procedures.
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In the event of an outbreak or infection prevention breach, a reliable traceability system becomes instrumental for a facility in investigating, identifying and notifying affected patients.