From the September 2021 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine


In general, manufacturers recommend cleaning all coils with a soft cloth and a mild soap or detergent solution before disinfecting.

McClellan notes that Philips recommends using either a 70% solution of isopropanol or ethanol alcohol or a solution of 0.5% chlorhexidine in 70% ethanol, which are considered "intermediate" disinfectants.


While the same procedure is recommended for both hard-surface and closed-cell soft coils, such as urethane plastic or foam covered flex coils, the latter coils should be inspected carefully to make sure there are no breaks in the surface. If breaks occur, the underlying open-cell foam cannot be disinfected and so the coil should be replaced, McClellan said. A black-light flashlight can be used to help highlight any biological contamination, such as blood and other bodily fluids.

Coils that are being disinfected using alcohol solutions should be air dried, while chlorine solutions require rinsing with a soft cloth and water before drying, McClellan said. Open-surface items, such as straps, can’t be disinfected, but they should be cleaned by washing them in a soap or detergent solution and then fully drying before use.

Endo-cavity coils require the same cleaning procedure, but the use of higher-level disinfectants such as Cidex OPA or Steranios 2% NG, and have their own specialized procedures to follow, according to McClellan.

Lucidi agrees that it’s best to check with manufacturers on cleaning and disinfecting coils.

“OEMs develop the design and can attest to which chemicals their materials are compatible with,” Lucidi said. “Likewise, manufacturers of chemical disinfectants can attest to the efficacy of their products through verification and validation. Management teams and infection control departments need to work together to find a balance between efficacy and compatibility.”

Innovatus provides guidance and consulting to its customers to help them identify potential options for OEM-approved chemicals and assess if the practices employed within the department align with OEM recommendations.

Commonly, manufacturers do not advise submerging any part of a coil or spraying or pouring cleaning agents directly onto a coil, which could damage the internal circuitry. They also recommend detaching a coil from the scanner before attempting to clean it.

A common recommended cleaning practice is to clean the coil with a cloth that has been dampened in a solution of 10% bleach and 90% tap water, or 30% isopropyl alcohol and 70% tap water.

September 2021 Magazine

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