0222: Ultrasound Transducer Disinfection - An Examination of Cleaning and Disinfection Practices for Surface and Intracavity Transducers

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine the problems with current methods of cleaning and disinfection of ultrasound transducers and identify areas of need within ultrasound transducer reprocessing.MethodThe study examined efficacy levels of existing ultrasound transducer cleaning and disinfection procedures and the role of a new process. All ultrasound transducers used in the department were swabbed and samples were taken and assessed following the use of current cleaning and/or disinfection procedures. The same transducers were then cleaned again and high level disinfected utilising a new process, after which another sample was taken. The cables of all transducers were also swabbed. All samples were plated and analysed for bacterial growth. The growth in each phase of the probe cleaning and disinfection were compared and then sent for analysis to determine bacteria type.ResultsAlthough intracavity transducers are most commonly disinfected this study showed large bacteria growth on surface ultrasound transducers and all the associated cables, even following the use of current high level disinfection methods. In comparison the new method of disinfection (that provides disinfection of the entire probe and handle area) demonstrated no discernible growth from samples.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the need to review the classification system for what transducers require high level disinfection, most significantly in regards to surface transducers, the area of the transducer that is disinfected, the methods used for disinfection and also the cleaning and maintenance of the transducer cable. It has also demonstrated the need to extend this study to allow collection of further data. ObjectivesTo examine the problems with current methods of cleaning and disinfection of ultrasound transducers and identify areas of need within ultrasound transducer reprocessing. To examine the problems with current methods of cleaning and disinfection of ultrasound transducers and identify areas of need within ultrasound transducer reprocessing. MethodThe study examined efficacy levels of existing ultrasound transducer cleaning and disinfection procedures and the role of a new process. All ultrasound transducers used in the department were swabbed and samples were taken and assessed following the use of current cleaning and/or disinfection procedures. The same transducers were then cleaned again and high level disinfected utilising a new process, after which another sample was taken. The cables of all transducers were also swabbed. All samples were plated and analysed for bacterial growth. The growth in each phase of the probe cleaning and disinfection were compared and then sent for analysis to determine bacteria type. The study examined efficacy levels of existing ultrasound transducer cleaning and disinfection procedures and the role of a new process. All ultrasound transducers used in the department were swabbed and samples were taken and assessed following the use of current cleaning and/or disinfection procedures. The same transducers were then cleaned again and high level disinfected utilising a new process, after which another sample was taken. The cables of all transducers were also swabbed. All samples were plated and analysed for bacterial growth. The growth in each phase of the probe cleaning and disinfection were compared and then sent for analysis to determine bacteria type. ResultsAlthough intracavity transducers are most commonly disinfected this study showed large bacteria growth on surface ultrasound transducers and all the associated cables, even following the use of current high level disinfection methods. In comparison the new method of disinfection (that provides disinfection of the entire probe and handle area) demonstrated no discernible growth from samples. Although intracavity transducers are most commonly disinfected this study showed large bacteria growth on surface ultrasound transducers and all the associated cables, even following the use of current high level disinfection methods. In comparison the new method of disinfection (that provides disinfection of the entire probe and handle area) demonstrated no discernible growth from samples. ConclusionThis study demonstrates the need to review the classification system for what transducers require high level disinfection, most significantly in regards to surface transducers, the area of the transducer that is disinfected, the methods used for disinfection and also the cleaning and maintenance of the transducer cable. It has also demonstrated the need to extend this study to allow collection of further data. This study demonstrates the need to review the classification system for what transducers require high level disinfection, most significantly in regards to surface transducers, the area of the transducer that is disinfected, the methods used for disinfection and also the cleaning and maintenance of the transducer cable. It has also demonstrated the need to extend this study to allow collection of further data.