Ultrasonic cleaning is a widely used method for the cleaning of dental instruments prior to sterilisation, and offers several benefits over manual cleaning.
Ultrasonic validation is essential, as it shows your machine is effectively cleaning dental tools and working correctly.
Validation of decontamination equipment, including ultrasonic cleaners is needed at installation, annually and after repairs. This validation should be performed by the manufacturer or service engineer. Periodic validation should be performed in practice, and the HTM01-05 provides an outline of this testing.
If provided, the manufacturer’s instructions on validation should be followed. They will specify any additional validation tests required. In the absence of manufacturer instructions, the HTM01-05 recommended testing schedule below should be followed.
| Test | Description | Frequency | Performed by |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Remove and clean strainers and filters |
Ensures that filters and strainers are clean and do not introduce contamination into the bath. |
Daily |
User or by delegation, operator. |
|
Drain machine at end of the session/day |
Ensures contaminated water is not left in the tank |
Daily |
User or by delegation, operator. |
|
Cleaning Efficacy – Visual Test |
An inspection of the instruments under a mag lamp to ensure there is no visible contamination. |
Daily |
User or by delegation, operator. |
|
Safety Check |
A check of the door seal. Manufacturers instructions might include additional checks, for example power cable or a check for any damage to the bath. |
Weekly |
User or by delegation, operator. |
|
Residual Protein Test |
The residual protein test checks that the ultrasonic cleaner is effectively removing protein. |
Weekly |
User or by delegation, operator. |
|
Automatic Control Test |
Measures if the ultrasonic cycle is repatable by measuring several parameters (cycle time, temperature). Ultrasonic cleaners with a data logger provide you with a readout as evidence of this test. Otherwise manual measures can be used. |
Quarterly or to or to manufacturers’ recommendations. |
Competent Person (Decontamination) or Service Engineer |
|
Verification of calibration |
Ensures the ultrasonic is correctly calibrated. |
Quarterly or to or to manufacturers’ recommendations. |
CP(D) or Service Engineer |
|
Cleaning efficacy test |
Also known as a soil test. Ensures that the ultrasonic cleaner can effectively remove soils. |
Quarterly or to or to manufacturers’ recommendations. |
CP(D) or Service Engineer |
|
Ultrasonic activity test |
The ultrasonic activity test ensures that there is equal cleaning activity (cavitation) in all areas of the bath. Performed using foil and a grid or measurement wand. |
Quarterly or to or to manufacturers’ recommendations. |
CP(D) or Service Engineer |
|
Completion of all validation tests above. |
Completion of all tests as well as any additional manufacturer tests. |
Annualy |
CP(D) or Service Engineer |
Records on ultrasonic validation and maintenance should be kept for 2 years.
Firstly repeat the test that has failed to confirm the result. If the test fails again, contact an engineer for assistance.
The HTM01-05 recommends this test is performed quarterly. However, we would recommend it is done weekly.
Here’s an example to illustrate the importance of more frequent testing: Let’s say you pass the quarterly cleaning efficacy test. However, within the following month, you make a change to your process, such as using a new detergent. This change could potentially affect the cleaning efficiency, and you might not realise it until the next quarterly test. In this situation, you could be unknowingly processing loads that fail to meet cleaning standards for an entire quarter.
By conducting the cleaning efficacy test weekly, you can promptly detect any issues or changes in your cleaning process and address them immediately.
At Aura we have a range of ultrasonic validation products, including the Aura foil testing grid that eliminates the need for awkward masking tape grids when performing the ultrasonic activity tests.
If you have any further questions on ultrasonic validation, please get in touch with our team of expert advisors.
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