Chemical Interactions and Transducers

+ Acoustic Coupling Medium+ Other Chemicals that Damage Transducers

 

This information is effective as of May 2003.

 

Acoustic Coupling Medium


For proper transmission of the acoustic beam, use the ultrasound transmission gel supplied by Philips, or another glycol, glycerol, or water-based couplant medium. Do not use mineral oil, oil-based couplants, gels with lotions or emolients of any kind, or other non-approved material because they might damage the transducer.

Caution: Do not use gels that contain any of the following agents:

  • Acetone
  • Methanol
  • Denatured Ethyl Alcohol
  • Mineral Oil
  • Iodine
  • Any lotions or gels containing perfume

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Other Chemicals that Damage Transducers


The following chemicals have been tested with Philips transducers and found to degrade or discolor the grip:

 

  • phenol (10% or 100%)
  • benzothonium chloride (0.14% in menthol, butylene glycol water-based solution)
  • pHisohex (3% hexachlorophene in petrolatum, lanolin cholesterol, polypropylene glycol, water)
  • benzoyl peroxide (10% in propylene glycol, water)
  • hydrogen peroxide

 

Some of these chemicals are commonly found in clinic or hospital settings, others are found in antibacterial skin cleaners or lotions.

Caution: Use of these chemicals will cause damage to your transducer. This damage is not covered by the warranty or your service contract.

 

Caution: Do not wipe the strain relief/housing joint, the strain relief, or the cable with isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol can cause damage to these parts of the transducer (see figure 1). This damage is not covered by the warranty or your service contract.

 

Figure 1: Strain relief/housing Joint

 

If a cleaning solution is used, remove any cleaning solution residue with a soft cloth moistened in water. Do not allow alcohol to airdry on the transducer.

 

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