Fluoroscopy Sterile Cover and Infection Control for X-Ray Equipment

Why radiology needs its own infection-control routine

Radiology equipment is shared by outpatients, emergency cases, ward patients and sometimes patients with infectious diseases. Surfaces that come into contact with skin, such as the tabletop, bucky, positioning aids and detectors, and surfaces touched by staff, such as handles, collimator controls and touchscreens, can all carry organisms from one patient to the next.

Facilities should have a written procedure approved by the infection-prevention team, defining the level of cleaning for each type of surface and each risk level. Radiographers should know where the responsibility lies between radiology staff, cleaning staff and nursing staff.

Routine X-ray equipment cleaning step by step

Clean between patients and at the end of each shift. Switch off or lock the unit, remove disposable covers and linen, clean visible soil first and then disinfect with an agent approved by both your infection-control team and the equipment manufacturer. Work from clean to dirty and from top to bottom, and respect the contact time stated on the disinfectant label before wiping or allowing to dry.

Avoid soaking, spraying liquid directly onto the equipment or letting fluid run into joints, vents, connectors and seams. Use a damp cloth or wipe, and take special care with touchscreens and detector surfaces, where some agents can cause damage. For more on the care of detectors see flat panel detector care.

• Clean visible soil before disinfection
• Use only agents approved by the manufacturer and the infection-control team
• Respect the label contact time
• Do not spray liquid into joints, vents or connectors
• Clean handles, collimator controls and touchscreens, not only the tabletop

Detector cover for X-ray and wireless detectors

Detectors are often placed under or beside patients, including those with open wounds or infections. A detector cover X-ray users can use is a disposable or reusable protective sleeve that keeps fluids and skin contact away from the panel and simplifies cleaning. Covers should fit the detector size and not add thickness that disturbs positioning or image quality.

For wireless detectors, always use a cover when working with isolation patients, in theatres or in emergency departments. Never reuse single-use covers. Mobile examinations on infectious patients can follow the routines in mobile X-ray in ICU; the Visitor T30 M-DR mobile unit, for instance, should be cleaned at the bedside and again before it returns to the department.

Fluoroscopy sterile cover for sterile procedures

Where fluoroscopy is used in a sterile field, such as orthopaedic, urological or vascular procedures, sterile drapes cover the parts of the system that the sterile team may touch or that sit over the field: the detector or image receptor, parts of the C-arm or tube housing and the control handles. A fluoroscopy sterile cover must be sized for the system and keep the movements free without being pulled by them.

Open-access tables like Villa's Apollo DRF Open, whose tabletop is suspended on a single support arm for access from all sides and carries patients up to 230 kg, make it easier for two or more operators to work. Plan the draping with the supplier so that sterile team members and the covers do not obstruct the tabletop movements. Procedure examples are listed in our guide to fluoroscopy procedures.

Isolation patients, lead aprons and next steps

For patients on contact or droplet precautions, follow the hospital's isolation policy: use dedicated or covered equipment, wear the prescribed PPE, bring the minimum number of staff and clean and disinfect everything that was in the room before it returns to general use. Lead aprons and thyroid collars also need cleaning; see lead apron testing and care.

Equipment with smooth surfaces and few crevices, sealed controls and covers that fit well is easier to keep clean, so ask suppliers about cleaning compatibility during selection. For product advice or training materials, contact Beckfinity's team.