1) Does Siemens Healthineers have a website for COVID-19 information?
Yes, Siemens Healthineers has a global webpage dedicated to supporting our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The webpage can be found here https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/
2) Has Siemens Healthineers evaluated and/or approved cleaning and disinfection agents or methods for effectiveness for SARS-CoV-2?
Siemens Healthineers has not tested any cleaning or disinfecting agents for effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Efficacy of such agents and methods is determined by the disinfectant manufacturer.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2. The list can be found here https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
To support your search for agents effective against SARS-CoV-2, we have cross referenced disinfectants listed on the EPA List N with agents and methods approved compatible with our ultrasound products.
Refer to the Cleaning and Disinfecting the Ultrasound System Quick Reference Guide; a consolidated view of Siemens Healthineers ultrasound systems and their approved disinfection methods. The document can be found here https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/ultrasound/covid-19. Our dedicated taskforce is monitoring the EPA website and other external resources focused on the effectiveness of cleaning agents and methods. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.
For detailed information refer to the Instructions for Use for your ultrasound system.
3) Where do I find approved agents and/or methods for cleaning and disinfecting my Siemens Healthineers ultrasound system?
Refer to the Cleaning and Disinfecting the Ultrasound System Quick Reference Guide; a consolidated view of Siemens Healthineers ultrasound systems and their approved disinfection methods. The document can be found here https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/ultrasound/covid-19. Our dedicated taskforce is monitoring the EPA website and other external resources focused on the effectiveness of cleaning agents and methods. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.
For detailed information refer to the Instructions for Use for your ultrasound system.
Always refer to the instructions from the disinfectant manufacturer for guidance on disinfection efficacy, application process, and appropriate clinical uses.
4) Where do I find approved agents and/or methods for cleaning and disinfecting my Siemens Healthineers ultrasound transducer?
Approved ultrasound transducer cleaning and disinfection agents and methods can be found here https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/ultrasound/ultrasound-transducer-catalog#Cleaners_and_Disinfectants
The web tool is updated frequently as new agents and methods are approved for compatibility.
Always refer to the instructions from the disinfectant manufacturer for guidance on disinfection efficacy, application process, and appropriate clinical uses.
5) What does Siemens Healthineers mean when it says an agent or method is approved for use with the ultrasound system or transducer?
Cleaning and disinfectant agents and/or methods listed in Siemens Healthineers ultrasound product user manuals and transducer webpage are agents that Siemens Healthineers has tested for product material compatibility, not for biological effectiveness.
Always refer to the instructions from the disinfectant manufacturer for guidance on disinfection efficacy, application process, and appropriate clinical uses.
6) What if I use an agent or method that has not gone through compatibility testing by Siemens Healthineers?
Siemens Healthineers cautions against using agents and methods that have not been approved for compatibility. The use of non-approved cleaning and disinfectant agents and/or methods may cause damage to the system surfaces, components, and diagnostic performance.
Refer to the Cleaning and Disinfecting the Ultrasound System Quick Reference Guide; a consolidated view of Siemens Healthineers ultrasound systems and their approved disinfection methods. The document can be found here https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/ultrasound/covid-19. Our dedicated taskforce is monitoring the EPA website and other external resources focused on the effectiveness of cleaning agents and methods. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.
For detailed information refer to the Instructions for Use for your ultrasound system.
7) What if the supply of disinfectants has been exhausted?
Siemens Healthineers cautions against using agents and methods that have not been approved for compatibility. The use of non-approved cleaning and disinfectant agents and/or methods may cause damage to the system surfaces, components, and diagnostic performance.
Refer to the Cleaning and Disinfecting the Ultrasound System Quick Reference Guide; a consolidated view of Siemens Healthineers ultrasound systems and their approved disinfection methods. The document can be found here https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/ultrasound/covid-19. Our dedicated taskforce is monitoring the EPA website and other external resources focused on the effectiveness of cleaning agents and methods. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.
For detailed information refer to the Instructions for Use for your ultrasound system.
Always refer to the instructions from the disinfectant manufacturer for guidance on disinfection efficacy, application process, and appropriate clinical uses.
References
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
- Steps Healthcare Facilities Can Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/steps-to-prepare.html
- Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
- Official Statement https://www.aium.org/officialStatements/57
- Quick Guide COVID-19 Protections:
- Patient and Ultrasound Provider Protection https://aium.s3.amazonaws.com/covid19/Covid19_Quick_Guide_PUPP.pdf
- Ultrasound Transducers, Equipment, and Gel https://aium.s3.amazonaws.com/covid19/Covid19_Quick_Guide_UTEG.pdf
8) What do you recommend for those who live outside the United States and do not have access to disinfectants listed on the EPA List N identified as being effective against SARS-CoV-2?
Siemens Healthineers is not aware of any country, regional, or international agencies who have documented and published information similar to that found on the U.S. EPA List N.
Refer to the Cleaning and Disinfecting the Ultrasound System Quick Reference Guide; a consolidated view of Siemens Healthineers ultrasound systems and their approved disinfection methods. The document can be found here https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/ultrasound/covid-19. Our dedicated taskforce is monitoring the EPA website and other external resources focused on the effectiveness of cleaning agents and methods. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.
For detailed information refer to the Instructions for Use for your ultrasound system.
Always refer to the instructions from the disinfectant manufacturer for guidance on disinfection efficacy, application process, and appropriate clinical uses.
9) Can the fan(s) in my ultrasound system spread SARS-CoV-2?
There is no data to suggest SARS-CoV-2 can be spread based on ultrasound system fans or air movement.
Siemens Healthineers ultrasound systems cycle approximately 24 cfm (cubic feet per minute). Check with your facility to compare the air flow in the clinical environment.
Do not obstruct air vents or fans during system operation as this can cause potential ultrasound system overheating, system performance degradation, or failure. Do not allow fabric, such as linens or bedding, or surfaces to impede ventilation around the system. Ensure the system has proper ventilation during operation
10) Can the air filter(s) in my ultrasound system be cleaned, disinfected, and reused?
The air filter specific to the ultrasound system maintains proper system cooling. The filter is designed for blocking lint, dust, and similar-sized particles from entering the system. The filter is not designed to capture pathogens. It is important to note, many electronic devices (for example, computers and televisions) do not have airtight intake paths.
Consult the Instructions for Use for information about removing and cleaning the air filters.
11) Can I replace the air filter(s) in my ultrasound system with a HEPA filter?
No. The use of a HEPA filter in the ultrasound system would significantly reduce airflow used to cool the system. This loss of airflow would likely cause the system to overheat. Extended operation under these conditions may cause loss of system performance and/or directly impact diagnostic functionality. It is important to note, many electronic devices (for example, computers and televisions) do not have airtight intake paths.
12) Can I cover my ultrasound system in a plastic sheet to reduce possible contamination?
Siemens Healthineers Ultrasound markets protective overlays for system control panels and touch screens to help reduce the spread of infection by preventing liquid / contaminating fluids to become trapped between the controls.
In addition, surgical equipment drapes may be used to cover the ultrasound system provided the drapes are marketed specifically for medical use in a surgical setting, and do not obstruct the inlet for the system fans or air vents.
Be aware that obstructed fans can cause potential ultrasound system overheating, system performance degradation, or failure.
Do not obstruct air vents or fans during system operation as this can cause potential ultrasound system overheating, system performance degradation, or failure. Do not allow fabric, such as linens or bedding, or surfaces to impede ventilation around the system. Ensure the system has proper ventilation during operation.
13) My site has a UV disinfection device, can we use our UV device on Siemens Healthineers ultrasound systems or transducers?
Siemens Healthineers has not tested UV disinfection technology for compatibility with our ultrasound systems. We are unable to confirm the effectiveness of the technology.
Siemens Healthineers cautions against using agents and methods that have not been approved for compatibility. The use of non-approved cleaning and disinfectant agents and/or methods may cause damage to the system surfaces, components, and diagnostic performance.
Refer to the Cleaning and Disinfecting the Ultrasound System Quick Reference Guide; a consolidated view of Siemens Healthineers ultrasound systems and their approved disinfection methods. The document can be found here https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/ultrasound/covid-19. Our dedicated taskforce is monitoring the EPA website and other external resources focused on the effectiveness of cleaning agents and methods. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.
For detailed information refer to the Instructions for Use for your ultrasound system.
14) Will the use of disposable ultrasound transducer covers prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission?
Transducer sheaths are single-use items used to ensure proper acoustic coupling and provide a prophylactic barrier for the intended ultrasound application. Sheaths are available for all transducers. Siemens Healthineers recommends the use of market-cleared transducer sheaths.
To minimize the risk of cross-contamination and infectious diseases, a sterile, non-pyrogenic transducer sheath must be in place during procedures requiring sterility.
For detailed information refer to the Instructions for Use for your ultrasound system.