Current perspectives on infection control in gynaecological ultrasound - a narrative review

Gynaecological and obstetric ultrasound is widely used in routine care but may expose patients and healthcare workers to avoidable infectious risks. This narrative review provides an integrated overview of infection prevention and control in obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound, drawing on microbiological studies, observational audits, outbreak investigations, guideline documents, and educational interventions published mainly between 2010 and 2026. The available evidence indicates that contamination risk is multi-factorial, involving ultrasound probes, coupling gel, environmental surfaces, and operator dependent behaviours. Effective infection prevention therefore requires a multi-modal approach combining appropriate probe reprocessing, safe gel management, systematic environmental hygiene, and sustained behavioural interventions supported by training, auditing, and feedback. By synthesising microbiological evidence, contamination pathways, and recurrent implementation failures, this review aims to support safer routine practice, strengthen adherence to existing recommendations, and improve consistency in infection prevention practices.