This modules supports the education and training needs of healthcare workers involved in using and reprocessing ultra-sound probes that are used in diagnostic and surgical treatment. This is a national program coupled to the new HSE guidelines and is essential for CPD of healthcare workers in advance of HIQA audits. Academic knowledge and practical competence are balanced in this module and reflects user needs.
HSE Guidance and Quality Standards in Ultrasound Probe Decontamination
This lecture will reflect the new protocols and standards that impact on the area of ultra-sound probe decontamination and will equip participants for HIQA audits of this area.
Ultra sound probe designs, equipment and accessories.
The variety of ultra-sound probe designs used in hospitals and ancillary equipment and their application.
Contamination of ultra-sound probes gels and ancillary equipment
The contaminants associated with probe use such as organic matter, microbiological contaminants and chemical residues will be presented here in case studies.
Microbiological contaminants of ultra-sound probes
Non enveloped viruses, bacterial endospores, and antibiotic resistant microorganisms such as CRE and MRSA.
Cleaning and high level disinfection of ultra-sound probes
Vaporized Hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide and UV light will be presented as the new high level disinfection methods of choice in line with HSE guidelines.
Aseptic practice and facility decontamination for sonography.
A focus will be placed on the correct practice required to prevent the transmission of infection during sonographic procedures. The facility and water decontamination as well as gels and ancillary equipment will also be focused on.
Occupational safety and good documentary practices.
Risk assessment and hazard analysis in the sonography suite will be the primary focus and the correct attention to documentaion and record keeping will constitute the remaining part of this lecture.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |