Global Practices for Reprocessing Endocavity Ultrasound Transducers: Insights From a WFUMB Survey

To determine the international availability of practice guidelines, training in and method used for the reprocessing of endocavity (EC) ultrasound transducers post-EC scan.

A series of six questions were developed via Survey Monkey relating to the use of EC transducers. Questions included country of practice and type of EC ultrasounds performed, use of transducer covers for EC ultrasound examinations, availability of infection prevention guidelines, availability of training in the reprocessing of ultrasound EC transducers, and type of transducer reprocessing used. The anonymous survey was launched in May 2024 and was open for 6 mo via the WFUMB website.

There were 1436 respondents from 105 countries, with 37% of respondents having access to guidelines for infection prevention and control (IPC) and 46% receiving training in reprocessing EC transducers post-use. High-level disinfection was the preferred reprocessing method for 40% of respondents.

This survey was an important adjunct to the previous WFUMB IPC survey conducted in 2016, which revealed significant differences in IPC practices throughout the world. The results of this new survey reflect that, internationally, many ultrasound users still do not have access to infection prevention guidelines, nor training in the use of their chosen transducer cleaning/disinfection methods. Inadequate reprocessing of EC ultrasound transducers increases the possibility of transmission of bacteria and viruses, such as human papillomavirus and HIV, and puts patient safety at risk.