Following the death of a patient from hepatitis B, in which an ultrasound probe was implicated, the need for improvements in decontamination practices has been high on the agenda. However, some hospitals continue to use inadequate decontamination procedures and gaps in knowledge remain in how to treat these devices to prevent patient harm. Automated systems could help standardise the process and improve traceability.
The challenges and importance of decontamination of ultrasound probes were discussed at a recent study day, held in St Albans. Prominent experts provided insight into the risks associated with failure to decontaminate ultrasound probes and revealed some worrying practices in some UK hospitals.
Christina Bradley, laboratory manager, Hospital Infection Research Laboratory, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, highlighted the fact that Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE) probes have been implicated in the transmission of serious infections and advised on best practice approaches to reducing the risk to patients.
She explained that there are a wide variety of probes used in healthcare – from intra-cavity probes, TOE probes, transvaginal and transrectal probes, probes used during breast surgery and brain surgery, as well as surface probes. The challenge for decontamination and infection control teams she commented, is to be aware of what devices are actually out there and to advise staff on what is required in terms of reprocessing.
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