Following concerns over infections arising from the use of ultrasound probes, there has been an increased focus on disinfection methods. A study, by the University of New South Wales, has investigated the efficacy of UVC high-level disinfection in reducing contamination.
When an ultrasound probe comes into contact with a mucous membrane or non-intact skin — such as endocavity scans, injections or interventional procedures — this is considered a semi-critical procedure. It is commonly agreed that probes used in semi-critical procedures require high-level disinfection (HLD), to prevent transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).
The importance of HLD for ultrasound probes used in semi-critical procedures was brought to the forefront following a Medical Device Alert from the MHRA — prompted by the death of a patient from hepatitis B. The incident was thought to have occurred as a result of an improperly disinfected endocavity ultrasound probe.1
In fact, there is still wide variation in practices and standards of decontamination of ultrasound probes across healthcare organisations. In some instances, probes may be given a 'quick wipe' between patients and a variety of different materials may be used.
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