Every minute counts: faster procedures, more patients, greater performance – with Chronos®

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Procedure frequency and ART requirements

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In Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centers, transvaginal ultrasound plays a central role in patient care. From the initial assessment to early pregnancy monitoring, each pathway — IVF, ICSI, simple stimulation, or frozen embryo transfer—involves multiple ultrasound exams. On average, a patient may undergo 4 to 7 ultrasounds throughout her journey.

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The risks associated with this specialty require absolute rigor in disinfection. In accordance with recommendations, a High-Level Disinfection (HLD) must be performed between each patient.

However, traditional chemical solutions have several limitations: handling time, potential residues, and complex consumable management. Indeed, according to the CDC¹, these disinfectants may have toxic effects on gametes and embryos. Moreover, studies show that nurses exposed to these chemical HLDs have a 12% longer median time to pregnancy attempt compared to those never exposed².

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It is in this context that Chronos®, the UV-C disinfection system developed by Germitec, provides an innovative, reliable, and ART-adapted technological solution.

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Chemical-free, rapid, and reproducible disinfection

The Yuvee® technology integrated into Chronos® relies on the emission of UV-C radiation at 254 nm, known for its germicidal capacity.

This technology rapidly inactivates microbial DNA and RNA, providing validated disinfection against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including the most resistant, such as HPV and HIV.

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Each 90-second cycle guarantees uniform disinfection without chemicals or intermediate rinsing. The absence of residues or toxic emissions makes the process safe for patients, embryos, gametes, and staff.

The system operates in a closed, secure chamber, eliminating any risk of UV exposure.

For centers, having such technology represents a strong differentiating factor, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and innovation.

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Less waiting, more patients, greater performance optimizing workflow and continuity of care

In an environment where consultations and oocyte retrievals occur at a fast pace, the speed of disinfection is a major asset. Chronos® enables near-immediate probe rotation between patients, reducing waiting times and ensuring continuity of the patient pathway.

Disinfection with Chronos® integrates seamlessly into the workflow of an ART center, maintaining continuity across all procedures involving transvaginal ultrasound. This integration ensures both safety and smooth workflow, without any interruption of care.

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Summary table of transvaginal ultrasound requirements by ART pathway

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To illustrate the impact of Chronos®, we analyzed different patient pathways (IVF, FET, egg freezing, etc.) and compared probe reprocessing times across different methods: wipes, hydrogen peroxide, and Chronos®.

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Chronos® vs Hydrogen Peroxide

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Chronos® vs Wipes

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The results show a significant time saving, allowing physicians to perform 1 to 3 additional exams per patient across their entire ART journey. The literature also suggests that by choosing UV systems over wipes, up to 6 additional patients per day can be accommodated.³

This streamlined workflow improves the organization of the clinical and technical team and helps maintain optimal service dynamics. Additionally, eliminating chemical disinfectants simplifies logistics, while reducing handling, storage, and traceability constraints associated with traditional disinfectants.

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Using Chronos® ensures a high level of safety and continuous care without interruptions.

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A strategic advantage for ART centers

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Adopting Chronos® is an investment in a solution that is:

• Safe for patients and staff
• High-performing, thanks to patented UV-C technology
• Fast, improving workflow efficiency
• Eco-friendly, eliminating the need for chemicals
• Equipped with integrated traceability, ensuring full compliance

By offering reliable, rapid, and automated UV-C disinfection, Chronos® helps enhance quality and safety of care in ART, while optimizing team workflow and improving patient comfort.

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Conclusion

In the demanding ART environment, Chronos® establishes itself as the reference solution for transvaginal probe disinfection: chemical-free, fast, and fully traceable, integrating seamlessly into the care pathway and meeting the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

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Sources :

1. CDC 2008, Precaution about chemicals in disinfection.
2. Gaskins et al., 2017, Association chemical HLD → reduced fecundity in nurses.
3. Time-effectiveness and convenience of transvaginal ultrasound probe disinfection using ultraviolet vs chlorine dioxide multistep wipe system: prospective survey study C. KYRIACOU

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