Disinfection and Hygiene Practice in Medical Ultrasound: WFUMB Survey Results

Abstract

As ultrasound technology rapidly evolves and is used more frequently in every area of medical diagnosis and treatment, it is overlooked as a potential vector in the transmission of a health care associated infection. A survey on the disinfection and hygiene practice in medical ultrasound was disseminated via WFUMB to its 6 member federations and associated ultrasound societies globally. Questions related to transducer disinfection, transducer cover usage, environmental cleaning and basic hygiene practices. Open ended questions provided an opportunity for respondents to discuss further issues with the ultrasound unit. A total of 1029 responses were obtained, of which 67% comprised of sonographers and the remainder from specialist areas. Alcohol based wipes were used by 30% of respondents to clean external transducers and 12% of respondents to clean intracavity transducers. A total of 71% of respondents used transducer covers every time to scan open wounds, 61% when blood and bodily fluids were present and 76% for an interventional procedure. Open ended responses indicated that a large case load hindered the time required for cleaning and clear guidelines would be beneficial. Global survey results indicate that users do not comply with basic disinfection practice and there is a gap in knowledge on basic infection control education within the ultrasound unit. As the infectious status of a patient is not often disclosed prior to an ultrasound examination, training on recommended cleaning and disinfection of ultrasound equipment is imperative to mitigate the risk of potential infection.