I've been receiving service calls for "Invalid Probe" errors on some of our Aloka ultrasound machines. Specifically the 3500. They are using the Steris method of sterilization and I am wondering if the method being used can cause oxidation on the pins of the transducer connectors. They put the entire probe and connector into the sterilizer container. Has anyone else run into this problem? I have used contact cleaner to clean the pins and it seems to work for a little while, but the problem comes back.
Tue Jan 06 2015
Invalid probe errors due to sterilization
Wed Jan 07 2015Reply from Conquest Imaging - Matt T.
Hello,
Probes should not be put into a gas / steam sterilizer. You can perform low and high level disinfection using Cidex or other chemicals but the connector should not be soaked. Consult the user manual for the system before any further damage is incurred.
Matt Tomory
VP Sales, Marketing and Training
Conquest Imaging
866-900-9404
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Mon May 16 2022Reply from skawa808
Hi Matt,
Sorry for the extremely long reply time. I must have missed this post. I had a hunch that this was the issue since the pins look oxidized, I had mentioned this to them as well, but the said that the they do it with other probe manufactures and it is fine. I will reiterate this to them. I even told them to bag the connector with something to keep the connector from getting wet. We'll see what they say.
Thanks,
Scott
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