Ultrasonic cleaning systems are widely used in healthcare applications during the sterilization of surgical instruments, and in many manufacturing and process industries. They work by passing a high frequency sound wave through a liquid detergent to create thousands of small bubbles. The sound waves then makes the bubbles implode with such force, that the impacts remove contaminant particles from submerged materials.
A current technique to measure the performance of ultrasonic cleaning systems uses aluminium foil, which is eroded and punctured by the imploding bubbles. This is an unreliable process to apply and can contaminate the vessel cleaning fluid, adding unnecessary costs.
The new CaviMeter from National Physical Laboratory (NPL), one of the UK's leading science facilities and research centers, provides a quick and simple to use measurement solution for cleaning systems, and so is a new and improved method of quality assurance. It consists of a sensor connected by a thin flexible cable to a portable monitor and display unit. The sensor is shielded in a special rubber material designed to protect it, and crucially, providing it with spatial resolution of a few millimeters.
By monitoring the acoustic signals generated when the clouds of bubbles implode, the CaviMeter identifies how much cavitation is taking place at a given location, allowing 'hot-spots' and 'cold-spots' in cleaning systems to be identified. Manufacturers can use this information for fine-tuning equipment to produce the ideal quantity and distribution of cleaning action. This approach helps ensure that only the required energy is used, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Mark Hodnett, a senior research scientist at NPL, says, "Until now, there have been no quantitative methods for identifying how much cavitation takes place at different locations in a cleaning system, and therefore no way to ensure that the cleaning process is totally effective. NPL's CaviMeter and sensor can now provide this capability, for both users and manufacturers of cleaning systems. It is the first of its kind for acoustically mapping cavitation produced by ultrasonic cleaning and processing systems used in healthcare and manufacturing industries."
The CaviMeter supports the manufacture and development of ultrasonic baths, and also allows healthcare organisations to make informed and cost-effective purchasing decisions for cleaning systems. Once a system is chosen, the CaviMeter can be used regularly to test the efficacy of its cleaning performance, even when using different detergents and surfactants (wetting agents that lower the surface tension of a liquid).
The CaviMeter was designed in response to a longstanding user need. The novel spatially-sensitive cavitation sensor it uses was conceived and developed under Strategic Research at NPL, with the accompanying electronics supported by the Measurement for Innovators program.
A further £2.5 million is now being invested by the NMS and NPL into ultrasound, which includes carrying out research into microbubbles whereby the bubbles themselves can be used as sensors.
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Telemedicine's Transformative Role in PPE Distribution and Sterile Equipment Management
July 22nd 2025In an era defined by digital transformation and post-pandemic urgency, telemedicine has evolved beyond virtual visits to become a vital infrastructure for delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) and managing sterile supplies. By enabling real-time forecasting, remote quality control, and equitable distribution, telemedicine is revolutionizing how health care systems protect both patients and providers.
Breaking the Cycle of Silence: Why Sharps Injuries Go Unreported and What Can Be Done
Published: July 24th 2025 | Updated: July 23rd 2025Despite decades of progress in health care safety, a quiet but dangerous culture still lingers: many health care workers remain afraid to report sharps injuries, fearing blame more than the wound itself.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.