Role of ultrasound probes in transmission of hospital infections

Abstract

Background: The ultrasonography probes are cleaned by absorbent soft, dry cloth. This question arose whether linear and convex ultrasound probes coupling with gel could perform as a means for nosocomial infections transmission, and which method is economical and more efficient for cleaning the probes. This study was conducted to answer these questions. Methods: One hundred - ninety two patients who referred at sonography department were evaluated. Half of the probes were cleaned with routine course while the others with cloth containing alcohol. Then, determination of microbial identity was done. Results: The probes that were cleaned by cloth soaked in alcohol, showed the growth of bacterial colony to be zero. The probes that were cleaned by non-sterile cloth, the bacterial count was 48.38%, 22.6%, 9.7% for the staphylococcus epidermis, ureus was less and pseudomas aerogenosa, respectively; the other organisms are enterobacter, E. Coli, cytrobacter and yeast. There was no difference in the infected percentage between the linear and convex probes. Conclusion: Cleaning the probe and ultrasound gel as a device of bacterial growth is time saving and cost effective. We recommend disinfection of probes using alcohol in patients prone to infection.