Before describing the procedure for disinfecting and cleaning the system, the user must be familiar with the following definitions:
DETERSION - Mechanical procedure for removing a high percentage of microorganisms and organic/inorganic material.
DETERGENT - Substance that reduces surface tension between dirt and surface to aid removal.
DISINFECTION - Chemical or physical process that reduces the degree of microbic contamination in the vegetative phase on inert material.
DISINFECTANT - Chemical process able to destroy pathogenic agents in the phase of development (bacteria, fungi, viruses). This term indicates products to be applied on inanimate objects (e.g. surfaces).
At the end of each examination during which potentially infected blood or organic liquids have come into contact with the surfaces of the MRI system (receiving coils, patient seat, cinematic device), the following procedure should be carried out:
- clean contaminated surfaces thoroughly using neutral pH factor detergent.
- treat surfaces with a detergent solution with electrolytic chloroxidant base and 1.15% of active chlorine (e.g. AMUCHIN®A), diluted to 5%. Apply the product by means of soaked and wrung gauze, taking great care that the solution does not drip onto electrical contacts (cables, connectors) of the receiving coils and/or patient table. The product must be diluted by 5% in purified water or other water with similar properties.
- leave the disinfectant solution to act for 15 minutes.
- rinse the disinfected surfaces with a clean cloth dampened in purified water, taking great care that the solution does not drip onto electrical contacts (cables, connectors) of the receiving coils and/or patient table.
- clean all surfaces involved in the procedure thoroughly.
Before each examination cover the patient seat and cushions with a disposable paper sheet.
To maintain the condition and appearance of the MRI sytsem, it is recommended that the exterior surfaces of the equipment be thoroughly cleaned at least every two weeks.
All external surfaces of the magnetic and electronic unit and operating console must be cleaned with neutral pH factor detergent and dried thoroughly.
Surfaces that are likely to become soiled from direct contact with the patient or the operator are:
- the gantry walls, the coils, insulating strap. patient seat and cushions. All these surfaces must be cleaned with a neutral pH factor detergent and dried thoroughly
- the covers and shielding straps should be cleaned with alcohol and dried carefully
- the keyboard and mouse, which must be cleaned with suitable spray detergents (do not use other products that may damage electrical contacts of the keyboard and mouse) and dried thoroughly
- the monitor, which must be cleaned according to the instructions in the user manual supplied
- the surface of the operator table and, above all, the mouse mat, which must be cleaned with a neutral pH factor detergent and dried thoroughly; the accumulation of dust and other dirt on the mouse mat and consequently on the track ball may impair correct operation of the mouse