A new way to clean scanning equipment has been described as “gold standard” and will save Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust money.

Ten Trophon machines used to disinfect ultrasound probes have been supplied to Walsall Manor Hospital by global healthcare supplier Nanosonics.

The devices are automated so require minimal operator input, take less physical disinfecting and will make a cost saving to the organisation over the next five years.

Mostly used to clean the probes following internal scans, the Trophon can also be used in critical procedures, such as biopsies.

Using a disinfectant mist, the device is extremely efficient in decontaminating the probes from a wide variety of germs.

Previously, probes had to be disinfected by operators using manual wipes, a process which also involved filling in paperwork, therefore taking longer and proving more expensive.

The Imaging department is predominantly using the machines in ultrasound but there are also units in the ultrasound rooms in Gynaecology and Ward 23, as well as elsewhere within the Women’s, Children’s and Clinical Support Services (WCCSS).

Professional Lead for Ultrasound and Deputy Professional Lead for Imaging Hayley Whitehouse said: “Infection Control is vital to us and our new Trophon machines are the gold standard of ultrasound probe disinfection.”

Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Jossy Ashlin watched Hayley demonstrate the new device.

“Using the device involves a hydrogen peroxide mist in a closed disinfection system,” said Jossy. “It is also easy to trace for audit purposes and the machine itself is easy to clean.”

More information on Nanosonics and its Trophon devices can be found on their website at https://www.nanosonics.co.uk/