WFHSS Questions and Answers - Question Q02223

I would like to know how other hospitals/clinics wash their Uterine Sounds? We used to hand wash them and I contacted the manufacture and they said it was not necessary to hand wash, that they could be sent thru the washer. This is still a debate in my department. Some say at times, they tent to "peel"? Not sure if this is due to over use, older instruments? Or from hand washing, or sterilizing or machine washing? Any suggestions? Opinions? I am looking to have all on board here with putting them thru the washer. Thank you, Colleen Makovec UWHPWatertown WI

All instruments where possible should go through the washer disinfector including uterine sounds. The peeling is most likey due to the age of the instrument.

Uterine Sounds mostly made of malleable material and coated with chrome which will requires occasional re-chrome unless it is made of malleable stainless steel.
If your detergent is higly alkaline, then it will strip of the chrome regardless if it is new or old instrument that's how "peeling" can occur. Check with your detergent manufacturer of compatibility between chrome item and its chemical.

Currently we are using detergent which is compatible with anodised aluminium and chrome. All our instruments go through automated washer except items that requires handwash only.

we also ran our sounds through the washer/decontaminator but did not notice any flaking or peeling.