Daily Operational Protocols for Ultrasonic Probe Maintenance

I. Gentle Handling Procedures

• Impact Prevention
  Handle probes with care to avoid collisions or compression that may damage internal piezoelectric crystals or acoustic lenses. Maintain sufficient clearance between probe tips and container walls during operation.

• Connector Management
  Always switch off the instrument’s power supply before probe replacement to prevent circuit board damage from power surges. Disconnect probes gently to minimise mechanical stress on connectors.

II. Environmental Controls

• Extreme Conditions Avoidance
  Prohibit probe exposure to direct sunlight, excessive heat (>40°C), or rapid thermal cycling to prevent acoustic lens degradation, cracking, or internal bubble formation. Store equipment in temperature-controlled, shaded, dry environments.

III. Cleaning & Disinfection Protocols

1. Cleaning Sequence

   • Surface Decontamination:
     Wipe probe surfaces and cables using a soft cloth moistened with:

     • Mild neutral detergent solutions

     • 75% ethanol

     • 70% isopropyl alcohol

   • Contact Surface Scrubbing:
     Use cotton swabs with cleaning solutions to thoroughly decontaminate sample-contact areas.

   • Rinsing & Drying:
     Rinse with deionised water, pat dry with lint-free wipes, and air-dry in ventilated shaded areas.

2. Disinfection Methods

   • Spray/Wipe Technique:
     Apply disinfectant via spray or cloth, adhering to manufacturer-specified contact times. Post-disinfection rinsing and drying mandatory.

   • Immersion Technique:
     Submerge probes in:

     • Cidex OPA (0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde)

     • Glutaraldehyde solutions (1.8-2.2%)
       Follow immersion durations per technical datasheets. Post-treatment triple rinsing required.

   • Critical Note:
     Immersion of connectors or adaptors strictly prohibited. Prevent liquid ingress into internal circuitry.

IV. Storage & Protection Guidelines

• Moisture Control
  Store probes only after complete drying to prevent corrosion or electronic component failure. Inspect clamping fixtures for cleanliness pre-storage.

• Physical Safeguarding

  • Apply protective covers/packaging to prevent dust accumulation and impact damage.

  • Position probes in stable, arid, contamination-free storage zones with UV protection.

• Cable Integrity Preservation

• Use cable management clips to prevent entanglement or tensile stress during storage.

• Prohibit sharp bending (minimum bend radius 50mm) or stretching of cables to maintain conductor integrity.

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