This information is effective as of May 2003.
If a carrying case if provided with your transducer, always use the carrying case to transport the transducer from one site to another. Follow the guidelines below to properly store transducers for transport.
Make sure that the transducer is clean and disinfected before placing it in the case to avoid contaminating the foam that lines the carrying case.
Place the transducer in the case carefully to prevent kinking of the cable.
Before closing the lid, make sure no part of the transducer is protruding from the case.
Wrap the case in plastic material containing air pockets (bubble wrap), and pack the wrapped case in a cardboard carton.
To avoid damaging the shaft or steering mechanism of TEE transducers, do not bend or coil the flexible shaft of the transducer in less than a one-foot (30 cm) diameter circle.
Daily and Long-Term Storage
Follow these guidelines to protect your transducer:
Always store transducers in the transducer holders on the side of your system or on a securely mounted wall rack when you are not using them.
Make sure the transducer holders are clean before storing transducers.
Avoid storing transducers in areas of extreme temperatures or in direct sunlight.
Store transducers separately from other instruments to avoid inadvertent transducer damage.
When storing transducers, use the cable-management clips to secure the transducer cable.
Before storing transducers, make sure they are thoroughly dry.
For TEE transducers, be sure the distal tip is straight and protected before storing the transducer.
Never store a TEE transducer in the carrying case, except to transport it.