Equipment Cleaning

Radiology Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) for Equipment Cleaning

Learning Objectives

Students should understand the standardized cleaning procedures and protocols commonly used to clean radiology equipment's.

• Students should be able to explain the Importance of cleanliness in radiology.
• Students should be able to perform equipment cleaning.

Introduction

Staff safety: To prevent contaminations of technicians with machines.

Patient Safety: Prevents infection and cross-contamination.

Image Quality: Clean equipment ensures accurate diagnostic imaging and prevent equipment damage.

Importance of Cleaning Radiology Equipment

X-Ray Machines

• CT Scanners
• MRI Machines

Ultrasound Equipment

• Nuclear imaging machines

Portable Imaging Devices

Common Equipment Requiring Regular Cleaning

Approved Cleaning Agents: Hospital-grade disinfectants, alcohol wipes.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, masks, gowns if needed.
• Storage and Disposal: Safe storage of chemicals and disposal of used wipes/PPE.

Cleaning Supplies and PPE

Step 1: Wear appropriate PPE before handling equipment.

Step 2: Turn off and unplug equipment when possible.

Step 3: Clean high-touch surfaces with approved disinfectants (handles, buttons, screens).

• Step 4: Wipe down and disinfect patient contact areas.
• Step 5: Allow adequate drying time before next use

General Cleaning SOP for Radiology Equipment

X-Ray Machines: Focus on the tube head, control panels, and patient positioning surfaces.

MRI Machines: Special considerations for non-ferromagnetic cleaning supplies; avoid moisture near the magnet.

Ultrasound Equipment: Clean transducers, probes, and touch screens with compatible agents.

Detailed Cleaning SOP for Specific Equipment

Daily: High-touch surfaces and patient contact areas after each use.

Weekly: Deep cleaning of all external parts.

Monthly/Quarterly: Comprehensive internal and external equipment inspection (by qualified technicians).

Frequency of Cleaning

Checklist Completion & Reporting Issues :

Record cleaning activities for each piece of equipment and report any damage or malfunctions found during cleaning.

• NB: Ensure all staff are following proper cleaning SOPs.

Quality Assurance & Documentation

Staff safety: To prevent contaminations of technicians with machines.

Patient Safety: Prevents infection and cross-contamination.

Image Quality: Clean equipment ensures accurate diagnostic imaging and prevent equipment damage.

• Increase lifespan of machines

Importance of Cleaning Radiology Equipment

Approved Cleaning Agents: Hospital-grade disinfectants, isopropyl alcohol wipes.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, masks, gowns if needed.
• Storage and Disposal: Safe storage of chemicals and disposal of used wipes/PPE.

Cleaning Supplies and PPE

Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, and eye protection when cleaning/disinfecting equipment.

Switch off the equipment at the main power source before cleaning.

Follow manufacturer instructions for specific cleaning agents and methods recommended for each type of equipment.

• Clean all surfaces thoroughly before disinfecting, removing any visible dirt or debris.

Allow adequate drying time after cleaning/disinfection before restarting equipment.