The use of ultrasonic cleaners in podiatry has long been advocated, as part of an effective decontamination process.
A Podiatry Ultrasonic cleaner is used for the automated deep cleaning of instruments and one of the most widely used systems.
How effective your ultrasonic cleaner is at removing contaminants depends on several factors.
According to the Glennie report:
“92% of dental surgery’s have an ultrasonic cleaner 96% don’t regularly test it for efficiency”
1. DO use the correct fluid for your application. DO NOT use water alone in
the tank when operating the unit, as a wetting agent is required for
correct transference of ultrasonic energy. Ultrasonic cleaner fluid can be purchased from your podiatry supplier.
2. DO NOT operate the unit without fluid in the tank. Always ensure the fluid
reaches the filling ridge on the tank.This is usually about an inch from the top of the tank.
3. DO keep the tank clean and don’t allow sediment to form. Change fluid regularly.
4. DO NOT drop the unit or experience it to shock or impact. This can also occur if moving the unit between domiciliary care home locations.
5. DO NOT immerse the unit in water or any other liquid.
6. DO NOT use acid, bleach or any corrosive substance in the stainless
steel tank, as they may attack the metal and cause serious damage.
7. DO NOT place your hands in the fluid while the unit is operating. When
using any cleaning fluid please read the directions before use. Safety
data sheets are available on-line for all Walker Electronics Limited fluids.
8. DO NOT pour very hot or boiling water into the tank as this could cause
damage to the transducer (the sensitive part in the base that makes the process happen).
9. DO try to keep the lid on when using an ultrasonic cleaner as well as keeping noise levels down, this will also prevent splashes and reduce evaporation of the fluid.
10. DO NOT drop any item into the tank as this may cause damage to the
transducer. Always place your instruments gently into the tank and use the
basket whenever possible, burr blocks are useful for keeping podiatry burrs together.
11. DO disconnect the mains supply when the unit is left unattended.
12. DODisconnect the mains plug or isolate the supply before you schedule to empty fluid from the tank, filling the tank with fluid or moving the unit.
13. DO keep the front panel dry. NEVER allow fluid to run down the unit case
or around the cable inlet area.
14.DO NOT operate any switches when your hands are wet.
15.DO NOT use any highly flammable substances in the tank.
16.DO use the correct accessories with the unit. DO NOT use any glass or
other containers in place of the recognised beaker.
17. DO operate your ultrasonic cleaner in an environment with the temperature between a range of 5°C to 40°C and a humidity : 10% to 80% (Non-condensing).
18.DO NOT get worried if your ultrasonic cleaner fluid get’s warm after prolonged periods of use . This is nothing to worry about and very normal.
19.DO get your ultrasonic cleaner checked over to make sure it is operating properly, however, the case and tank should be regularly cleaned by wiping with a lightly oiled cloth. it is also a good idea to wipe your machine down once a week with a clinical wipe.
20.DO NOT move the unit whilst in use or connected to the mains supply in
order to avoid spillage or overflow.
21.DO disconnect the mains supply by removing the plug from the mains socket, in the event of failure/emergency,
22.DO NOT stand closer than one meter of the ultrasonic cleaner when in operation.
*References: Walker Electronics, Ultrawave,
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Is it necessary to purchase an autoclave for a podiatry practice. Would using ultrasonic technology be adequate for clean instruments. It seems that a large majority of treatments do not require sterile instruments. I feel that the use of an autoclave is overkill. I would appreciate your insight. Thank you
Thank you for your comment Dr Vona. As the saying goes “clean is not sterile and sterile is not clean” The use of an autoclave is an effective way of sterilizing instruments and an ultrasonic clean used prior to sterilization, ensures the instruments are thoroughly clean. Any instrument that comes into contact with a patient should be decontaminated to the necessary level. An effective risk assessment should form the basis of a good decontamination procedure. I do appreciate that weighing up the implications of cost and time takes careful consideration. A well documented procedure along with effective training can reduce time and costs significantly.