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A safe and practical decontamination method to reduce the risk of bacterial colonization of ultrasound transducers
Farshid Ejtehadi1, Fardad Ejtehadi, Jamshid Cohen Teb
1Department of Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK.
Purpose:
Hospital-acquired infections is a major concern affecting patient management, in which medical instruments and devices play an important role. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of bacterial contamination of the sonographic probe and describe an effective, safe, and practical decontamination method.
Methods:
The study's sample consisted of 50 patients. Cultures were taken from the probe surface both after each examination and after the probes had been wiped clean with a dry, nonsterile paper towel. Cultures were also taken randomly from the coupling gel.
Results:
Initial cultures were positive in 49 cases (98%) for aerobic and in 26 cases (52%) for anaerobic bacteria. Cultures obtained after cleaning the probe were positive in only 21 cases (42%) for aerobic and in 12 cases (24%) for anaerobic bacteria. The most common bacteria isolated in the aerobic cultures were Streptococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and in the anaerobic cultures were Peptococcus spp. and Peptostreptococcus spp. All cultures taken from the coupling gel were negative.
Conclusions:
Sonographic probes may act as a medium for bacterial contamination and transmission. Cleaning of the probe with a dry, nonsterile paper towel is an easy, effective, low-cost, and device-friendly method that can reduce this risk.
Insights
Sonographic probes can harbor bacteria, posing a risk for hospital-acquired infections. Simple cleaning with a dry paper towel effectively reduces bacterial contamination on these medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant patient safety concern.
- Medical instruments, including sonographic probes, can contribute to infection transmission.
- Effective decontamination of medical devices is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the bacterial contamination levels on sonographic probes.
- To evaluate a simple decontamination method for sonographic probes.
- To determine the efficacy and practicality of probe cleaning procedures.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures were obtained from sonographic probes of 50 patients.
- Cultures were taken before and after cleaning with a dry, nonsterile paper towel.
- Cultures were also taken from the coupling gel to assess its role.
Main Results:
- High initial bacterial contamination rates were observed (98% aerobic, 52% anaerobic).
- Cleaning reduced contamination significantly (42% aerobic, 24% anaerobic).
- Commonly isolated bacteria included Staphylococcus aureus and Peptococcus spp.; coupling gel was sterile.
Conclusions:
- Sonographic probes can serve as a reservoir for bacterial transmission.
- Dry paper towel cleaning is an effective, practical, and low-cost method to reduce probe contamination.
- This simple intervention enhances patient safety by mitigating infection risks.
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