AIUM Expands Guidelines to Include Chlorine Dioxide for High-Level Disinfection of Ultrasound Probes
AIUM Expands Guidelines to Include Chlorine Dioxide for High-Level Disinfection of Ultrasound Probes |
| [19-November-2025] |
FAIRFIELD, N.J., Nov. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Parker Laboratories, a leading manufacturer of products for medical ultrasound, is pleased to acknowledge that the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has issued an updated set of guidelines on the handling of ultrasound probes in healthcare settings, incorporating chlorine dioxide for the first time as an option for high-level disinfection (HLD) reprocessing. The revised guidelines offer clinicians a safe and cost-effective point-of-care alternative, eliminating many of the complex steps associated with automated reprocessors—reportedly an area of heightened scrutiny by surveyors of The Joint Commission (TJC) in 2025. Chlorine dioxide is available in North America under the brand name Tristel ULT™, which is manufactured and distributed by Parker Laboratories under an exclusive partnership with UK-based Tristel plc (AIM: TSTL). Approved for use in more than 35 countries since 2008, Tristel ULT is the only FDA-cleared chlorine dioxide foam disinfectant for ultrasound probes available in the United States. The method was also recently added to the American national standard on chemical sterilization and high-level disinfection in healthcare facilities (ANSI/AAMI ST58). Simplifying HLD at the Point of Care In contrast, chlorine dioxide is delivered manually using proprietary wipes, enabling probe reprocessing to be performed directly at the point of care. Adopting this novel disinfection modality not only streamlines workflows but also reduces potential opportunities for error and supports TJC's focus on infection prevention practices. Empowering Frontline Clinicians "Clinicians are being asked to do more with fewer resources, while still ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent infection prevention standards," says Connie Cutler, MS, BS, BSN, RN, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC, president and CEO of Chicago Infection Control Inc. "Having a high-level disinfection method at the point of care is a game-changer. It simplifies processes, empowers frontline staff, and enhances patient safety." Proven Advantages for Infection Prevention and Control
Recent Study Evidence "Consistency is the foundation of infection prevention," says Cutler. "If a method is too complex, staff compliance drops. By simplifying disinfection steps at the point of care, we help ensure protocols are followed every time, which protects patients and preserves budgets." Supporting The Joint Commission's 2025 Priorities "Tristel ULT provides infection prevention teams an innovative option that aligns with today's realities—fast-paced care environments, resource limitations, and the need for uncompromising safety," says Neal Buchalter, president of Parker Laboratories. "AIUM's update signals a turning point for infection prevention. By bringing high-level disinfection to the point of care, hospitals can eliminate device turnaround delays, boost compliance, and improve patient safety—all while addressing a focus on ultrasound probe reprocessing in their accreditation surveys." About Parker Laboratories MKT-045-0063 Rev 0 Contact:
SOURCE Parker Laboratories | ||
Company Codes: AIM:TSTL |
View original content to download multimedia:
