Value of probe sterile protective film when applied to ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the value of probe sterile protective film when applied to ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block. Methods Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱpatients who required ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block, aged 18-60 yr, weighing 55-85 kg, were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=30 each): sterile protective film group (group F), traditional physical method group (group TP) and traditional chemical method group (group TC). The probe was sterilized using a sterile protective film in group F, using a sterile glove in group TP, and using 70%-80% alcohol in group TC.Microbiological detection of probe was carried out subsequently, and the relative sterility was defined as the total number of colonies was less than or equal to 5 cfu/cm2.The time spent in sterilizing probe and in performing lumbar plexus block was recorded.The sterile qualified rates of scanning surface and handle of probe were calculated.The ultrasonic image quality was assessed by using a 4-point scale, and the number of display areas was recorded by Moro method. Results Compared with group TP, the time spent in sterilizing probe and in performing lumbar plexus block was significantly prolonged, the sterile qualified rate of probe handle and ultrasonic image quality were increased, and the number of display areas was increased in group F (P<0.05). Compared with group TC, the time spent in sterilizing probe was significantly shortened, and the sterile qualified rates of scanning surface and handle were increased in group F (P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion The probe sterile protective film exerts simple operation, strict sterile effect and little influence on ultrasonic image, the efficacy is superior to that of traditional methods, and it is more suitable for probe sterilization when applied to ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block. Key words: Ultrasonography; Nerve block; Sterilization