Infection Prevention
IP
1 5 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 7
Does your staff know
how to properly
clean and disinfect
ultrasound probes?
A 2016 online survey
designed to meas-
ure the level of
awareness and
knowledge of more
than 100 infection
preventionists
responsible for ultrasound probe reprocessing found significant
shortcomings. The survey sought to evaluate the current level of
awareness and knowledge with regard to ultrasound probe infec-
tion risk and the requirements for the reprocessing of probes
used in common, high-volume procedures.
The study found "critical gaps in awareness and understanding
of reprocessing requirements … among a large proportion of
respondents."
For example, 40% of respondents thought low-level disinfection
or cleaning without disinfection was adequate for ultrasound-
guided biopsy procedures. And only 61% thought sterile gel was
required for such a procedure.
Experts say much more guidance is needed, and that the need
is made more urgent by the growing number of procedures in
which ultrasound is used.
"In the past, we've considered ultrasound to be relatively
UNSOUND PRACTICES?
Is Ultrasound an Underappreciated Infection Risk?
• MIND THE GAP A survey found critical gaps in awareness regarding reprocessing
requirements for ultrasound probes.
