How to use SonoCheck test vials to verify that your ultrasonic cleaner is actually
working. SonoCheck gives you a visible pass or fail in a single cycle: the vial changes from
green to yellow when the bath is producing enough ultrasonic activity to clean.
Downloads: SonoCheck User Guide (PDF)
· SonoCheck Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
How many vials, and where to put them
Vial placement depends on tank size, because you are testing for uniform activity across
the bath, not just activity at one point:
- Small — up to 5 litres: position vials across the basket as shown in the user guide.
- Medium — 5 to 20 litres: spread vials wider to cover the tank area.
- Large — above 20 litres: use more vials again, distributed across the full basket.
Functional test
This checks the uniform operation of the cleaner itself.
- Fill the tank with fluid only — no parts to be cleaned.
- Degas the bath first.
- Lay the SonoCheck vials in the insert basket as set out in the guide for your tank size.
- Run the cleaner in standard operation until the vial changes from green to yellow.
A colour change to yellow is a positive result.
Routine test
This monitors effectiveness during normal use.
- Load the machine with a normal load of instruments.
- Place the vials between the parts as indicated for your tank size.
- Run your usual cleaning cycle time.
If the vial turns from green to yellow within your standard cycle time, that is a positive result.
Water level, degassing, instrument load and the energy delivered by the transducers all vary a process
and its effectiveness, which is why a routine test under real load is worth running regularly.
What a negative result means
If the vial stays green, the bath is not delivering enough ultrasonic activity for the application.
That points to one of two things: the cleaner needs service, or the machine is of a type that simply
does not produce enough ultrasonic power for what you are asking of it.
Either way, talk to us before you keep running validated work through
that bath — call 0800 603 603.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I test an ultrasonic cleaner?
Run a routine test at a frequency that matches your own quality protocol — for instrument
reprocessing that is commonly daily or at the start of each session. Run a functional test whenever
cleaning results change or after a service.
Do I degas before testing?
Yes. Degas the bath before a functional test, otherwise you are measuring the gas in the liquid
rather than the machine.
What does a colour change from green to yellow mean?
A positive result — the bath is producing useful ultrasonic activity.
Order SonoCheck
We stock SonoCheck ultrasonic activity test vials in New Zealand.
For advice on a testing regime for your practice or workshop, call
0800 603 603 or email info@elma-ultrasonic.co.nz.