Hygiene of transvaginal ultrasound probes in a developing country: case of Togo

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of hygiene rules for transvaginal ultrasound by sonographers practicing in Togo. Their knowledge of these rules is good. In practice, they mainly use condoms to protect the vaginal probe, which is sufficient to prevent horizontal transmission of infection. The shortcomings are at the level of hand hygiene; they do not routinely wash hands or wear gloves, nor do they follow guidelines for disinfection of the probes.