Microscopic Topography of Ultrasound Probes: Implications for High-Level Disinfection and Infection Control

Area of Science:

• Medical device engineering
• Microbiology
• Infection control

Background:

• Ultrasound probes are essential clinical tools but can harbor microorganisms after use.
• Inadequate reprocessing of ultrasound probes poses an infection risk.
• The micro-scale surface topography of probes and its role in shielding microbes are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the microscopic surface topography of clinical ultrasound probes.
• To identify surface features that could potentially shield microorganisms.
• To assess the relevance of probe micro-topography for infection control.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive study utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Examination of five ultrasound probes (4 endocavitary, 1 surface).
• Analysis of 46 sites across 15 probe segments under low vacuum SEM.

Main Results:

• Identified surface features include grooves, notches, guide features, orientation markers, and seams.
• 32 out of 46 imaged sites exhibited measurable gaps or crevices (0.9–480.4 μm).
• Lens surfaces showed rough textures with crevices up to 4.8 μm; wear and seams contained gaps harboring residue.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound probe micro-topography presents significant gaps and crevices capable of shielding microorganisms.
• These features are relevant to the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection processes.
• Further research is needed to understand how probe design influences disinfection effectiveness.