Disinfecting Your Agfa CR Cassettes

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene of radiology equipment is especially important to protect staff and patients, since the virus can remain on steel and plastic surfaces for some time. This Agfa guide describes how to properly clean and disinfect CR cassettes while also preserving the performance and lifetime of the equipment.

Highlights

• All equipment that comes into contact with the patient must be cleaned and disinfected.
• Where possible, equipment in direct contact with the patient should be covered with an impermeable disposable cover.
• Use only disinfectants approved by Agfa.
• UV disinfection and alcohol-based cleaners are not permitted for cassettes.

Do's

• Before disinfecting, remove the imaging plate and make sure the cassette is clean.
• If necessary, clean the outside of the cassette with a damp (not wet) cloth using water and soap.
• For disinfection, use a clean, lint-free cloth moistened with the disinfectant solution, and do not pour liquid directly onto the cassette.
• Use only Agfa-approved products and methods that comply with national guidelines and standards (including explosion protection).
• Follow the disinfectant manufacturer's instructions exactly.
• Make sure all surfaces are completely dry before reuse.

Don'ts

• Using UV disinfection on Agfa CR cassettes
• Using Agfa CR Phosphor IP Cleaner, PROSAT wipes, Agfa CURIX screen cleaner or any other alcohol-based cleaner or liquid on the cassette surface

Using a plastic cover

• In environments where disinfection is required or where contact with blood and body fluids is possible, place the cassette in a plastic bag or cover and discard it after each patient.
• Make sure the plastic cover has no creases, as these may cause reflections in the image.

Approved disinfectants

• Disinfectant wipes based on organic acid
• Disinfectant wipes based on quaternary ammonium salts: mikrozid sensitive wipes and Sani-Cloth Active

Note: repeated use of quaternary ammonium salt products can cause cassette parts to crack; it is recommended to use them fewer than 50 times over the lifetime of the cassette.