The introduction of AquaCide® Cleaner Disinfectant represents a significant advancement in the field of healthcare and infection control and prevention, particularly in the reprocessing of semi-critical medical devices such as transvaginal, transrectal, and surface ultrasound probes. This innovative product offers several advantages over traditional cleaners and high-level disinfectants, making it a valuable addition to healthcare facilities seeking to streamline their processes and improve patient safety.
Inside each single-use container of AquaCide is a granulated peracetic acid formula with an anticorrosive agent, detergent, and other inactive ingredients. Each container has a foil seal which is punctured at the time of use. The AquaCide solution has a concentration of 3500 ppm of peracetic acid, with a pH of 8.5 to 9, within the Ethos probe chamber at a temperature of at least 47°C. This solution is very powerful, but also gentle enough for even the most delicate probes. AquaCide is gently sprayed on the probe for only 3 minutes to complete cleaning and high-level disinfection.
Because AquaCide comes in a granulated form rather than a liquid form like most other high-level disinfectants, it is much easier to manage in case of accidents. The simplicity of using AquaCide makes it accessible to a wide range of healthcare professionals. Whether in busy hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings, staff members can easily incorporate AquaCide into their reprocessing protocols without extensive training or complex procedures. If some spills, cleanup of the powder is easy and the risk to staff members is minimal.
AquaCide's one-step cleaning and high-level disinfection capability simplifies the reprocessing procedure. It eliminates the need for two separate products, namely a cleaner and a high-level disinfectant. This efficiency not only saves valuable time but also reduces the risk of human error associated with multiple steps in the reprocessing workflow. By consolidating cleaning and disinfection into a single product, AquaCide simplifies inventory management for facilities. Having fewer products to order and store can lead to cost savings and improved overall workflow efficiency.
AquaCide's high-level disinfection properties ensure the effective elimination of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, on semi-critical medical devices. By reducing the risk of cross-contamination, it significantly contributes to infection control efforts, enhancing patient safety and reducing the potential for healthcare-associated infections, or HAIs.
AquaCide is also a huge boon to medical facilities when it comes to time and money. If a facility runs out of AquaCide, overnight air-shipping is not a problem, so as to keep procedures running smoothly. The one-step nature of AquaCide reprocessing can lead to significant time savings. In healthcare settings where every minute counts, reduced reprocessing time means medical devices are available for use more quickly, contributing to the efficient delivery of care. As a single, all-in-one solution, AquaCide eliminates the need to purchase and store multiple products. And by streamlining the reprocessing procedure, it can reduce operational costs and lead to budget savings in the long run.
Compliance with guidelines can be difficult to maintain, so AquaCide can help healthcare facilities meet regulatory guidelines and standards. It ensures that probes are properly cleaned and disinfected, meeting the stringent requirements set by health authorities and accreditation bodies. And the device in which AquaCide is used, Ethos® Automated Ultrasound Probe Cleaner Disinfector, also assists in compliance with its printed and electronic reports for each disinfection cycle.
The most important benefit AquaCide provides is enhanced patient safety. By reducing the risk of HAIs and ensuring the effective cleaning and disinfection of endocavity and surface ultrasound probes, AquaCide plays a pivotal role in improving patient safety. AquaCide also undergoes automated MRC detection in the Ethos, again improving safety in an innovative way. Patients can have greater confidence in the cleanliness and safety of procedures involving these devices.
AquaCide is a groundbreaking product that simplifies and improves the reprocessing of transvaginal, transrectal, and surface ultrasound probes. Its ability to effectively clean and high-level disinfect in one step not only saves time but also reduces the complexity of the reprocessing procedure. This innovation is a cost-effective solution that aligns with healthcare facilities' infection control and patient safety goals. By streamlining reprocessing and ensuring compliance with guidelines, AquaCide is poised to become an essential tool for healthcare facilities seeking to enhance efficiency and patient care quality in their ultrasound probe reprocessing protocols.
