How to Disinfect a Goldman Tonometer Probe

The Goldman tonometer probe, an organic glass prism attached to the head of the tonometer feeler arm, checks the fluid pressure inside the eyes (intraocular pressure) to screen for glaucoma. Because the probe comes into physical contact with the eyes, disinfecting the probe reduces the chance of transferring fungi, bacteria and viruses from one patient to another. Depending on the level of suspected contamination, anyone can thoroughly disinfect a probe with water and a few easily accessible cleaning products.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Mild Soap
• Cotton-wool balls (optional)
• Clean containers
• Hydrogen peroxide solution
• Bleach solution
• Tissues

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Instructions

• 1

  Separate the tonometer probe from the prism holder/feeler arm. As the prism holder or feeler arm can become damaged during this process with rough handling, use gentle care when removing it.

• 2

  Check the organic glass for cracks. Cracks will not only scratch or damage a patient's eye during examination, but they can retain infecting agents. If transferred to a patient's eye, these agents can also cause serious injury.

• 3

  Clean the probe with mild soap by hand. If heavily contaminated, rub a cotton-wool ball gently over it under cold, running water before cleaning with mild soap.

• 4

  Rinse in cold running water for 30 to 60 seconds.

• 5

  Place in a disinfectant solution of either 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 97 percent water. Disinfect for 10 minutes.

• 6

  Remove the probe from the solution and place in a clean container. Rinse with cold running water for no more than an hour and no less than 10 minutes.

• 7

  Dry the probe. Use a soft, clean tissue and wipe only once in a single direction starting at the probe tip.

• 8

  Store the tonometer probe in a clean, dry container that has a lid.