Probe Disinfection Research Articles

Visualization of Effectiveness: The Use of a Set of Colored Cleaning Wipes for Visible Disinfection of Ultrasound Probes

The German health authorities’ guidelines for medical devices in 2012 highlighted the importance of cleaning ultrasound probes, emphasizing their validation and reliability. In addition to automated and validated options, alternative manual methods such as wipe disinfection have gained traction due to their independence from additional hardware. The study examines the effectiveness of a manual cleaning process using wipes, addressing concerns raised by the Robert Koch Institute regarding the lack of validation for wipe disinfection of semi-critical devices. The EQUINOS colored wipe disinfection kit identified wetting gaps in all cleanings across four probes tested. The results indicate significant challenges in ensuring complete surface wetting, particularly in complex device parts such as clip-on areas and fixtures for additional biopsy attachments, suggesting that manual methods alone may not adequately mitigate the risk of infection transmission (p value < 0.0001). The study concludes that while manual disinfection methods are a commonly used alternative to automated reprocessing, there is a critical need for enhanced training and potentially the development of more effective manual disinfection techniques or colored wipes to ensure patient safety and compliance with healthcare hygiene standards.

The use of ultraviolet light generated from light-emitting diodes for the disinfection of transvaginal ultrasound probes.

Transvaginal ultrasound probes (TVUS) are used for several gynecological procedures. These need to be disinfected between patient use. In the current study we examine whether UVC delivered using light emitting diodes for 90 seconds can provide sufficient disinfection efficacy. A new UVC device that delivers UVC radiation at 265nm-275nm for 90 seconds was used. TVUS probes were swabbed before and after use in an in vitro fertilization clinic. Microbes on the swabs were cultured and identified. In addition, the ability of the UVC device to provided repeated high-level disinfection was analysed by deliberately contaminating probes with spores of Bacillus subtilis and then performing the UVC disinfection and bacterial culture. 50% of probes were contaminated with bacteria, most commonly Bacillus sp., directly after in vivo use. Whereas 97% were sterile after UVC disinfection for 90 seconds. The UVC treatment resulted in no growth of B. subtilis spores after each of five repeated contaminations with 5-9 x 107 spores on the probes. This study has found that UVC delivered via light emitting diodes for only 90 seconds can produce high level disinfection of transvaginal probes.

Jinekoloji kliniklerinde ultrasonografi probları ve jeli, bakteriyel enfeksiyonların kaynağı olabilir mi?: Üçüncü basamak bir hastane deneyimi

Background: The aim was to evaluate the bacterial contamination rate of ultrasound probes and gels and the associated nosocomial infection risk. In this way, we aimed to assess whether our ultrasound probe disinfection protocols were effective in reducing the risk of hospital-wide infection.
 Material and Methods: Forty-eight swab samples were collected from the surfaces of transabdominal (TAP) and transvaginal ultrasound (TVP) probes and adhered to gel bottles, which were then cultured in the microbiology laboratory. In comparison, bacterial contamination of gynecology room door handles (12 swab cultures) was analyzed. These measurements were repeated every week for one month, so that each probe was cultured four times during the study period.
 Results: Non-pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. hominis, S. haemolyticus, S. lugdunensis, Corynebacterium amycolatum, C. aurimucosum) common in human skin flora and the environment and two notable pathogens (Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli) were isolated from the probe cultures. Non-pathogenic organisms (S. epidermidis, S. cohnii) were isolated from gel cultures. Also, no significant differences were also found between groups in contamination rates during various patient examinations and emergencies (p > 0.05).
 Conclusion: Bacterial contamination was found on ultrasound probes/gels in our department. Although the majority were non-pathogenic microorganisms, two pathogenic microorganisms were also identified. Hospital staff should remember that ultrasound probes can be a tool for bacterial infection and can lead to infectious complications. Decontamination of probes with dry, nonsterile paper towels is a cheap, simple, and effective method that does not damage the device and can also reduce bacterial exposure.

The road from discovery to healing: What does it take?

Education and career choices are two major life decisions.1 One who considers a degree in Medicine may ask: “am I up to the challenge,” “am I curious about how medicine improves life,” and “do I care profusely about human life?” Practicing clinical medicine is the most common path; but, not all those with a career in Medicine are physicians. There are researchers in the basic sciences, and there are inventors and innovators of biomedical devices. All those working in Medicine start with valuing and pursuing the improvement of life.
 The ideal medical school integrates disciplines for a complete understanding of medicine.2 Two of the articles in this edition describe challenges facing Philippine medical schools. The first article re-evaluates the adjustment factor used in the admission process. The second article highlights flexibility and innovation in the sudden shift to online learning.
 The MD-PhD Program connects scientific research with clinical practice. In the US, this program started in the 1950s and expanded through the Medical Scientist Training Program to more than 90 active MD-PhD programs in 2016.3 The country’s first MD-PhD Program started in 2010 at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM). One of our physician-scientist graduates authored an article on the pharmacologic potential of locally harvested edible mushrooms.
 Many other UPCM graduates do research at the Philippine General Hospital. As an academic medical center, it houses “a large and diverse sample of patients, experienced and interested investigators, with organizational support.”4 In this edition, physician trainees and faculty authored or mentored seven studies. They study various disease and systems processes with the goal of health promotion.
 Three articles studied hospital processes related to health service delivery. Radiation oncologists explored delays in repeated CT simulation for the radiation of head and neck cancer patients. Ophthalmologists formed a time quality management team to reduce the total consultation time at their outpatient clinic. OB-GYN sonologists looked at methods of manual disinfection of transvaginal probes to keep patients safe while undergoing such procedures.
 Two articles studied the epidemiology of cerebrovascular diseases and neoplasms (periampullary malignancies), two of the top causes of mortality in the country. Two other studies looked at diseases that affect the quality of life: visual impairment in the young, and the use of a modified approach to hip arthroplasty.
 Case reports remain valuable sources of unusual information and new ideas.5 This edition also features a case report on a rare childhood malignancy found in an elderly patient who was successfully treated.
 The road from discovery to healing can take many forms as exemplified by the 11 articles in this edition of Acta Medica Philippina. Publication is a step on the road from discovery to healing. To complete the journey is to implement their findings in clinical practice. Many implementation challenges exist due to differing approaches.6
 The road from discovery to healing is not an easy one. We hope to close the gap between evidence and practice; we contribute to an ever-evolving and growing body of knowledge; and we offer the best treatment to our patients, the lives we value the most.
 
 Jean Anne B. Toral, MD, MSc Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital University of the Philippines Manila Coordinator for Research and Chief of the Expanded Hospital Research Office, Philippine General Hospital
 
 REFERENCES 
 
 Camilleri AR. What are life’s biggest decisions? [Internet]. 2021 [cited June 2022]. Available from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/ blog/life-s-biggest-decisions/202101/what-are-lifes-biggest-decisions
 Napier S. Rapid response: the characteristics of an ideal medical school. BMJ. 2019; 323:1437.
 Harding CV, Kahn JR, Akabas MH, Andersen OS. History and outcomes of fifty years of physician-scientists training in medical scientist training programs. Acad Med. 2017 Oct; 92(10):1390-8.
 Pinsky WW. The roles of research in an academic medical center. The Ochsner Journal. 2000 Oct; 2(4):201-2.
 Loubon CO, Culquichicon C, Correa R. The importance of writing and publishing case reports during medical training. Cureus. 2017 Dec;9(12):e1964.
 Kristensen N, Nymann C, Konradsen H. Implementing research results in clinical practice – the experiences of healthcare professionals. BMC Health Sciences Research. 2016; 16:48.

Time‐effectiveness and convenience of transvaginal ultrasound probe disinfection using ultraviolet vs chlorine dioxide multistep wipe system: prospective survey study

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo compare the efficiency, ease of use and user satisfaction of two methods of transvaginal ultrasound probe high‐level disinfection: ultraviolet‐C radiation (UV‐C) and a chlorine dioxide multistep wipe system.MethodsThis was a prospective survey study. UV‐C units were introduced into a busy early pregnancy assessment service and compared with a multiwipe system for disinfection. Before seeing each patient, healthcare professionals (HCPs) measured with a stopwatch the time taken to complete a cycle of disinfection using either UV‐C or chlorine dioxide multistep wipes and responded to a quick‐response (QR) code‐linked survey. Additional essential tasks that could be completed before seeing the next patient during probe disinfection were also documented. Using another QR code‐linked survey, data on ease of use, satisfaction with the system used and preferred system were collected. The ease of use and satisfaction with the system were rated on a 0 to 10 Likert scale (0 poor, 10 excellent). A free‐text section for comments was then completed.ResultsDisinfection using UV‐C (n = 331) was 60% faster than the chlorine dioxide multiwipe system (n = 332) (101 vs 250 s; P < 0.0001). A greater number of tasks were completed during probe disinfection when using UV‐C, saving a further 74 s per patient (P < 0.0001). The HCPs using UV‐C (n = 71) reported greater ease of use (median Likert score, 10 vs 3; P < 0.0001) and satisfaction (median Likert score, 10 vs 2; P < 0.0001) compared with those using the multiwipe system (n = 43). HCPs reported that the chlorine dioxide system was time‐consuming and environmentally unfriendly, while the UV‐C system was efficient and easy to use. Overall, 98% of the HCPs preferred using the UV‐C system.ConclusionsUV‐C technology is more time‐efficient and allows more essential tasks to be completed during disinfection. For a 4‐h ultrasound list of 15 patients, the use of UV‐C would save 55 min 45 s. HCPs found UV‐C preferable and easier to use. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Infection Transmission Associated With Contaminated Ultrasound Probes: A Systematic Review.

A systematic review of seven studies on infections related to contaminated ultrasound probes showed that the infections were related to a failure in the decontamination process of ultrasound devices used on immature skin of neonates in an intensive care unit and transesophageal echocardiography probes. Six of the studies involved outbreaks in patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography either during or after surgery or as a part of treatment for a nonsurgical cardiac condition. The evidence shows links between the infection outbreaks and environmental contamination, lack of standardized ultrasound probe disinfection processes, inadequate storage, and lack of monitoring of probe integrity. When personnel addressed the deficiencies (eg, improving the disinfection process, cleaning the probes immediately after use, inspecting the probes for defects), the infections ceased. Personnel involved with the reprocessing of ultrasound probes should clean, disinfect, inspect, and store ultrasound probes in a manner that maintains device integrity and prevents contamination.

Disinfection of transvaginal ultrasound probes-A current overview of methods and recommendations

Die Desinfektion der Ultraschallsonden, insbesondere der transvaginalen Sonden, wurde in den letzten Jahren viel diskutiert, und es hat einige neue Verordnungen und Empfehlungen sowie Entwicklungen im Bereich der Desinfektionsmethoden gegeben. Der Beitrag soll eine Übersicht und Zusammenfassung des derzeitigen Wissensstandes liefern.

The need for participation in the development and critical review of recommendations for infection control policies involving vascular ultrasound

Recently reported guidelines from the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography regarding disinfection of ultrasound probes and infection control policies for ultrasound procedures conflict with accepted clinical norms in vein practices and recommendations from the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine. We have provided a review of these conflicting policy recommendations and new proposed practice recommendations and a call for physicians who perform ultrasound-guided procedures to be involved in the process of development and critical review of societal recommendations.

Evaluation of Current Disinfection Practice of Transvaginal Ultrasound Probes in a Philippine Tertiary Referral Hospital: A Comparative Study on the Performance of Manual Reprocessing Methods

Objectives. There are no standard infection control regulations in transvaginal ultrasound probe disinfection followed in the most prominent local public tertiary referral hospital. Likewise, no studies have evaluated the efficacy of the current method that uses an inexpensive multipurpose antiseptic spray solution. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the current practice of manual disinfection of TVS probes and compare it with the performance of an acceptable manual reprocessing method. Methods. A prospective, randomized, controlled study was carried out using a crossover, quasi-experimental design, collecting 119 total samples from the ultrasound transducers before (35 samples) and after disinfection with two manual reprocessing methods, either a locally manufactured multipurpose antiseptic spray (A-Septic® Multipurpose Antiseptic Spray) that is currently used for disinfection or Mikrozid Sensitive®, a ready to use impregnated wipes (42 samples each arm). Disinfection efficacy was evaluated based on microbial culture results. Results. Before disinfection, bacterial growth was observed in 77.1% (27/35) of the probes. After disinfection, 80.95% (34/42) remained contaminated with the antiseptic spray and 21.43% (9/42) with the wipes. The cultures revealed many environmental and pathogenic bacterial isolates, including Burkholderia, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Diphtheroids, and Pseudomonas. Conclusions. The currently used method for disinfecting transvaginal transducers in the division is not adequate for decontamination and decreasing the risk of cross contamination among patients. The results call for aggressive disinfection measures and highlight the need to update local standards and formulate and institutionalize these recommendations.

Creating a Highly Reliable Respiratory Therapy Department That Meets Regulatory, Manufacturer's, and Infection Prevention Requirements

<h3>Background</h3> Concerns regarding compliance with manufacturer's instructions for use for (M-IFUs) for high level disinfection (HLD), low level disinfection (LLD), equipment preassembly and storage of Respiratory Therapy (RT) equipment were identified. In-line temperature probes were not being HLD after use per M-IFUs. Additionally, M-IFUs were not reviewed for equipment compatibility with current hospital approved disinfectants for low level disinfection following patient use. Finally, equipment was found pre-assembled and stored without consideration for expiration or maintaining contamination free storage. <h3>Methods</h3> Gap analysis between practices, regulatory requirements and M-IFUs was performed regarding disinfection, pre-assembly, and storage processes of RT equipment. A collaborative team of RT, Sterile Processing Department, and Infection Prevention (IP) was formed to review all requirements per M-IFUs. <h3>Results</h3> Gap analysis revealed a disparity between current practice, regulatory requirements and M-IFUs. A step by step process for high level disinfection of temperature probes was created for respiratory therapy staff and the sterile processing department to ensure pre-cleaning, transport, and reprocessing met M-IFUs and regulatory requirements. A full equipment reference library was established to assist staff in identifying the appropriate disinfectant for each piece of equipment and ensures compatibility with current hospital approved disinfectants. Guidelines were established with the RT department to ensure pre-assembled equipment is properly disinfected, stored to maintain cleanliness, and formal date the pre-assembled equipment must be used by to minimize risk for contamination once placed in to use. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our review demonstrates the need to evaluate RT department's processes to ensure HLD, LLD, and pre-assembly and storage of equipment is aligned with M-IFUs, regulatory, and infection prevention recommendations. Building collaborative relationships between the RT Department, Sterile Processing Department, and Infection Prevention is crucial to establishing and maintaining processes that improve patient safety, insure regulatory compliance, and reduce the risk of infection.

Operation of ultrasonography services in a dedicated paediatric hospital and a university hospital in Greece under the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ultrasonography (US) is one of the most common diagnostic imaging tests in children. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is important to operate with a plan designed to protect health care workers, to prevent transmission of infection from child and parents to another child or an accompanying person in the US suite, and to save valuable protective material and resources. Measures during routine US in children can be challenging both in general hospitals with paediatric units and in dedicated paediatric hospitals. Special considerations include: a) cancellation or rescheduling of unnecessary imaging tests, b) a relevant questionnaire on the request form informing about patient and accompanying person’s symptoms and likely exposure in addition to general triage, c) appropriate patient and parent protective measures, d) recruitment and selection of US machines in different protected areas depending on the possibility or certainty for the infection, e) regular personnel protective measures and personal hand hygiene, f) routine disinfection of probes and adjacent surfaces and g) machine/room deep disinfection, if required. Our purpose is to present the modified US services in children during the COVID-19 pandemic in two hospitals based on the instructions of the national organization of public health in Greece and what is known about the mode of transmission of the virus.

Barriers and facilitators to standardization of ultrasound use and probe disinfection in the ambulatory setting.

To determine barriers and facilitators to standardization of ultrasound probe disinfection at ambulatory sites, we conducted observations and interviews of staff. Variability was noted in disinfection practices and in the use of protective equipment even for procedures with the potential for the probe to contact sterile tissues. Standardization is needed.

Can ultrasound probes and gels be the source for opportunistic bacterial infections?

The aim of this study was to investigate the contaminant microorganisms on the surface of probes used in noninvasive ultrasound examination and in the gels. Culture samples were obtained from the convex abdominal probe at the beginning of the day and after use on every five patients. Cultures were taken from linear breast probe at the beginning of the day and after use one very two patients. All samples were taken after wiping with a dry tissue paper until no visible gel remained on the probes. Furthermore, the samples were taken from gels when the gel was first opened, at the end of the day and 24 hours after opening. A total of 76 samples from 25 breast probes, 33 abdominal probes and 18 gels were included. Bacteria was detected in 20 (80%) of 25 linear probe samples. Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) were detected in 19 (76%), Burkholderia cepacia and Staphylococcus aureus in two (8%), Cupriavidus pauculus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in one (%4). Bacterial growth was detected in 23 of 33 (69.7%) abdominal probes. aureus and S.maltophilia were isolated in 2 samples, most of which were CNS (n:20; 60.6%). The bacterial growth rate of all probes was 74.13% (43/58). Bacteria was detected in 2 of 18 gel samples (16.66%), two of which were CNS and one of them was S.maltophilia. Although more skin flora bacteria were detected in noninvasive probes and gels, a small number of pathogenic bacteria were also found in our study. Proper disinfection of the noninvasive probes and proper use of gels is therefore necessary. We believe that wiping with nonsterile dry tissue paper after each procedure is insufficient for disinfection of the probe surface. Disinfection and gel usage guidelines should be determined for ultrasound units both in our hospital and in our country.

Transvaginal ultrasound probes are human papillomavirus-free following low-level disinfection: cross-sectional multicenter survey.

To assess the frequency of detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) probes and keyboards and evaluate operator compliance with national recommendations for prevention of cross-infection during TVS. This was a multicenter observational survey involving 46 public and private centers, in the Paris region of France, in which at least five consecutive TVS examinations were performed per day. We audited 676 TVS procedures. We recorded preventive hygiene actions undertaken by the operator at three stages: (1) during TVS; (2) during probe disinfection; and (3) during preparation of the probe for the next TVS. After probe disinfection, we collected one sample from the bare probe and one from the ultrasound keyboard; following probe preparation for the next examination, an additional sample was obtained from the covered probe. The samples were tested for presence of hrHPV DNA using the Cobas® 4800 System. We did not detect hrHPV DNA in samples collected from uncovered or covered probes (0%; 95% CI, 0.00-0.55%). Keyboard samples were positive for hrHPV in two cases (0.3%; 95% CI, 0.04-1.07%). During TVS, the operator avoided touching the keyboard with a hand that had touched the patient's vulva in 86% of cases and held the probe with a gloved hand in 68%. Before probe disinfection, the operator wore new gloves, or performed hand disinfection in 8% of cases. The probe disinfection technique used was adequate in 87% of cases, not performed at all in 12% and insufficient in 1%. Before preparing the probe for the next scan, the operators disinfected their hands or used new gloves in 81% of cases. The probe cover and the coupling gel used complied with recommendations in 98% and 46% of cases, respectively. Of the seven preventive hygiene actions recommended in national guidelines, all were performed in 2%, three to six in 95% and two in 3% of observations. In four (9%) centers, disinfection was not performed in over half the observations. No evidence of hrHPV DNA was found on TVS probes and probe covers following low-level disinfection, despite suboptimal compliance with hygiene guidelines. Routine TVS practice could be made easier and safer with a global approach to probe disinfection and hand hygiene. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Survey on the use of point-of-care ultrasound detection in 300 emergency departments of tertiary hospital in China in 2018

To investigate the possession of ultrasound equipment and use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in emergency department of tertiary hospitals in China to figure out the present condition of POCUS in the emergency department. Questionnaire survey was performed through the internet, which included equipment possession, usage, and the sterile technique of the probe in the emergency department of tertiary hospitals. Between September and December in 2018, a total of 2 994 questionnaires link was clicked, and 718 survey responses were collected. After removing duplicated and non-tertiary hospitals questionnaires, the final questionnaire survey covered 300 tertiary hospitals, of which 250 were tertiary A hospitals (83.3%). The number of emergency department which own bedside ultrasound machine was 173 (57.7%), 40.6% (122) of the departments had only one ultrasonic machine. The main sources of equipment were new bought machines (119, 68.8%), given (38, 22.0%) or rented old machines from the ultrasound department (42, 24.3%). None of the emergency physicians in 92 (30.7%) departments mastered the POCUS skills, and 52.7% of the response hospital had less than a quarter emergency physicians grasp the skills. Fees of the POCUS could be charged in 52 (30.1%) of them. The main methods to clean or sterilize the probes were to wipe the probe by cleaning dry paper (97, 56.1%), sterile wet paper (69, 39.9%) or special probe disinfector (23, 13.3%), and used probe protective sleeve and sterile gel (12, 6.9%) as necessary; 79 (45.7%) departments had no conventional probe disinfection measures. When the ultrasonic was used to guide the punctures, the prevention of infection policies were the sterile gloves and saline (106, 61.3%), disposable probe protective sleeve and sterile gel (55, 31.8%). The propagation of POCUS in emergency department is needed to develop in tertiary hospitals in China. The right way to clean the probes need to be emphasized.

The Importance Of Proper Sterile Technique During Vascular Access

The increase in incidence and cost of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) continues throughout the world. Contaminated ultrasound gel used during ultrasound guided central venous catheter (CVC) placement has been associated with outbreaks in multiple countries, leading to numerous complications including patient death.Proper preparation of the ultrasound probe, including the use of an appropriate validated probe cover or sheath, the proper use and removal of sterile ultrasound gel and proper probe disinfection techniques all can lead to a reduction in the incidence and cost associated with CRBSI. The increase in incidence and cost of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) continues throughout the world. Contaminated ultrasound gel used during ultrasound guided central venous catheter (CVC) placement has been associated with outbreaks in multiple countries, leading to numerous complications including patient death. Proper preparation of the ultrasound probe, including the use of an appropriate validated probe cover or sheath, the proper use and removal of sterile ultrasound gel and proper probe disinfection techniques all can lead to a reduction in the incidence and cost associated with CRBSI.

A Study on the Necessity Verification of Convex Probe Disinfection

A Study on the Necessity Verification of Convex Probe Disinfection

Comparison of ultrasound images obtained by different disinfection methods used

Ultrasonography-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) applications are important in the practice of anesthesiology in the world. Despite the positive effect on patient care, there is concern that ultrasound (US) probes may be used repeatedly and assume a vector role in pathogen transport. There is no consensus on how to preserve US probes and use of gels against probing surface damage with pre-UGRA probe disinfection, agents used, and is still a research topic. Methods: Five different disinfection methods were compared via image quality by experienced anesthesiologists. Evaluators has been wanted to score the image that was recorded with using a defined disinfection method. Evaluators were blind while scoring the image. As a mean of 4,65 (US probe non-sterile stretch film coating and antiseptic spray(10% povidone-iodine) on the stretch film) Method 3 has been the most preferred one. The use of proven disinfection methods in UGRA interventions will be beneficial in terms of cost-effectiveness. According to study results, Method 3 (US probe non-sterile stretch film coating and antiseptic spray(10% povidone-iodine) on the stretch film) was observed to provide best image quality and cause the least cost for long-term use.

Bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes in different radiological institutions before and after specific hygiene training: do we have a general hygienical problem?

Aim was to investigate hygienic conditions of ultrasound probes before and after hygiene training in radiology institutions in comparison to bacterial contamination in public places. In three radiology departments, bacterial contamination was evaluated using baseline agar plates for cultures taken from 36 ultrasound probes. Afterwards teams were trained by a hygiene service centre and 36 ultrasound probes were routinely disinfected with regular disinfecting wipes and then evaluated. In comparison, bacterial contamination in public places (bus poles, n = 11; toilet seats, n = 10) were analysed. Plates were routinely incubated and the number of colony forming units (CFU) analysed. Cultures taken from the probes showed a median of 53CFU before and 0CFU after training (p < 0.001). Cultures taken from public places showed a median of 4CFU from toilets and 28 from bus poles and had lower bacterial load in comparison to ultrasound probes before training (p = 0.055, toilets; p = 0.772, bus poles), without statistical significance. Bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes prior to hygiene training proved to be high and showed higher bacterial load than toilets seats or bus poles. Radiologists should be aware that the lack of hygiene in the field of ultrasound diagnostics puts patients at risk of healthcare-associated infections. • Hospital-associated infections are a problem for patient care. • Hygiene training of staff prevents bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes. • Disinfection of ultrasound probes is an easy method to protect patients.

Effectiveness of a Hydrogen Peroxide Mist (Trophon) System in Inactivating Healthcare Pathogens on Surface and Endocavitary Probes

Effectiveness of a Hydrogen Peroxide Mist (Trophon) System in Inactivating Healthcare Pathogens on Surface and Endocavitary Probes