How Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Effectively Used in the Healthcare Industry

Healthcare industry tools, devices and equipment have to satisfy exceptionally high standards of cleanliness but many are difficult to clean. Items that are re-used may be contaminated with bacteria or other foreign matter but the devices are often delicate with complex shapes. Harsh chemicals and solvents can’t be used because their handling endangers medical personnel and traces remaining on parts can harm patients. Ultrasonic cleaners can clean completely and use either distilled water, plain water, or a mild detergent to remove all traces of contamination. Ultrasonic cleaning systems can satisfy the complex needs of hospitals, medical practices and other healthcare facilities when they are designed and configured to exactly meet the needs of the medical application.

Ultrasonic Cleaners Remove Contamination Quickly and Completely

An ultrasonic cleaning system uses an ultrasonic generator to produce a high-frequency signal that is converted to sound waves by a transducer immersed in the cleaning solution. The sound waves create microscopic bubbles that scrub the surfaces of the items to be cleaned. Particles of dirt or organic matter are dislodged from the surface of a medical instrument, device or piece of equipment and are washed away by the cleaning solution.

The microscopic bubbles work rapidly and their even distribution in the cleaning bath results in quick and consistent cleaning everywhere. Rapid cleaning is especially important during heavy healthcare facility use such as experienced in areas hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the cleaning is based on a mechanical action, no chemicals are needed and no rinsing or wiping is required. The ultrasonic cleaners act quickly to remove all foreign matter from the item surfaces, resulting in cleanliness to meet medical standards.

Ultrasonic Bubbles Penetrate and Clean Holes and Crevices

Because bacteria trapped in hard-to-clean places can cause serious illness, medical equipment is designed to minimize cracks and crevices. Despite this, devices can have dead-end holes and seams that may hide dangerous contaminants. The microscopic bubbles of ultrasonic cleaners are so tiny they can penetrate the smallest cracks and holes and clean out any debris.

Traditional cleaning methods such as manual scrubbing or washing with streams of solvent will often miss such hidden contamination. Subsequent treatment with disinfectant may sterilize the device or equipment but the foreign matter will still be there. Ultrasonic cleaning results in cleaner medical equipment and reduces the risks to the patient.

Ultrasonic Cleaners Help Reduce Healthcare-Associated Infections

Medical devices that are not completely clean can generate infections in patients using the healthcare facility. Hospitals in which patients catch an infection have to then use up healthcare resources to treat the patient. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are responsible for about 4.5 infections per 100 hospital admissions. These preventable infections generate about $7 billion in costs for the healthcare system.

Improved cleaning of medical devices, instruments and equipment that can be provided by ultrasonic cleaning systems can help reduce this rate of infection. The microscopic bubbles break the bonds that cause foreign material and bacteria to stick to part surfaces and they clean hard-to-reach areas completely. With less infectious material on medical part surfaces, patient infections through HAIs are reduced.

Kaijo is an Experienced Supplier of Ultrasonic Cleaners for Medical Applications

Ultrasonic cleaners work well when an experienced supplier with healthcare industry expertise provides systems with the right frequency, power and configuration. Kaijo has extensive experience with ultrasonic technology and has provided ultrasonic cleaning systems to hospitals and medical facilities. The company can recommend systems from their complete line of ultrasonic cleaners and ensure that the delivered system works as anticipated.