Case Study: Protecting Ultrasound Probes with Automated HLD at Beacon Hospital

Background 

Located in South Dublin, Beacon Hospital is widely recognised for its advanced technological capabilities. The private hospital delivers safe, efficient care and an excellent patient experience, with state-of-the-art technology.

Beacon Hospital implemented automated high-level disinfection (HLD) for ultrasound probes using the Nanosonics trophon® device in combination with compatible pre-cleaning wipe, Ecolab Incidin OxyWipe/OxyWipe NG to ensure patient and user safety, while caring for the delicate ultrasound equipment.

Challenges 

Ensuring longevity of probes, while maintaining high standards of infection prevention control (IPC)

Before aligning the full ecosystem – automation, compatible wipes, and structured training – Beacon, like many hospitals, faced the challenge of balancing robust infection prevention with protection of ultrasound probes.

Pre-cleaning practices had historically involved a mix of low-level disinfection wipes, mostly quaternary ammonium compound based. Over time, this contributed to material degradation, including yellowing of probe cables and damage to strain relief components. These issues increased the need for probe refurbishment and repair, placing added pressure on the Clinical Engineering department and raising the risk of unplanned downtime for key imaging lists. This also led to delays with operations in the clinical department. 

Objectives 

The Radiology, Women’s Centre, Clinical Engineering and Infection Prevention Control Team considered moving to a more controlled, validated and evidence-based approach that would offer:
•    A reproducible, automated HLD process for semi-critical ultrasound probes
•    A single, compatible pre cleaning wipe aligned with manufacturer recommendations
•    Reduced risk of probe damage and extended probe life
•    Clear, consistent training to build confidence and standardise practice

Solution 

A standardised ecosystem with the trophon device and Incidin OxyWipe

Beacon partnered with Nanosonics to refine its ultrasound probe decontamination process within Radiology, focusing on three key elements:

1. Compatible pre-cleaning with Ecolab Incidin OxyWipe/OxyWipe NG
Beacon decided on Ecolab Incidin OxyWipe/OxyWipe NG as the standardised manufacturer-recommended wipe for pre-cleaning prior to using the trophon solution for disinfection.

2. Automated HLD with trophon technology
The trophon device provided a validated, automated HLD step for appropriate ultrasound probes. This ensured a more consistent, traceable standard of care.

3. Education and product training
Nanosonics provided training sessions covering correct use of Incidin OxyWipe, probe handling, drying, and loading techniques, and routine checks of probe condition. This education was central to sustaining good practice, ensuring new staff are trained to the same standard, and reinforcing confidence across Radiology, Clinical Engineering, and IPC.

Outcomes  

No visible degradation of ultrasound probes; a simplified and standardised reprocessing workflow that still protects patients with reproducible HLD.

After more than 18 months of clinical use, a regularly used ultrasound probe has shown no visible signs of degradation or yellowing. The absence of observable material damage on the probe over this timeframe provided strong reassurance to both Clinical Engineering and IPC that the combined use of compatible wipes, automated HLD, and appropriate handling can significantly reduce the risk of probe degradation, thereby ensuring patient safety and reducing risk of infection.

Internally, the hospital saw a reduced need for probe refurbishment compared with prior experience, which directly supports less downtime and fewer disruptions to imaging lists. Staff reported greater confidence in the process, knowing that the workflow is standardised, straightforward to follow, and designed to protect both patients and probes. 

Stakeholder Testimonials

“Historically, we were seeing material changes on some probes, from yellowing on the cables to strain relief issues, and that inevitably translated into refurbishment and repair. Since moving to a standardised approach with the trophon device and Incidin OxyWipe, that pattern has changed. The probe we have monitored for over 18 months remains in excellent visual condition despite regular use. For Clinical Engineering, that gives us real confidence that the system and the wipes are working together as intended and helps us avoid downtime and unnecessary interventions.”

Conor Hickey
Clinical Engineer, AP (D), Beacon Hospital

“From an IPC perspective, the priority is a reliable, repeatable process that staff can trust every time. Automating high level disinfection with the trophon device, and pairing it with the recommended Incidin OxyWipe pre cleaning protocol, has given us that consistency. The ongoing training has been particularly valuable in embedding good practice. Our Radiology and Women’s Centre now has a workflow that is easy to follow, supports high standards of IPC, and at the same time clearly protects the probes. That combination has been very reassuring for both IPC and our clinical colleagues.”

Lenora Leonard
Head of Infection Prevention Control, Beacon Hospital

“As decontamination lead, having a validated system for HLD of probes, provides confidence in the processing of these devices and ensures safety for patients.”

Aileen Byrne
Central Decontamination Unit (CDU) Manager and Decontamination Lead, Beacon Hospital