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British Journal of Infection Control, Vol. 7, No. 4, 16-20 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/14690446060070040501

An investigation of the microbiological contamination of ultrasound equipment

A. Sykes

Department of Microbiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle NE7 7DN

M. Appleby

Department of Microbiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle NE7 7DN

J. Perry

Department of Microbiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle NE7 7DN

K. Gould

Department of Microbiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle NE7 7DN

ltrasound equipment comes into direct contact with patients and practitioners during scanning procedures, enabling it to be a potential vehicle for the spread of nosocomial infections. A study was undertaken to determine the extent of contamination on this equipment and therefore the efficacy of the present decontamination guidelines.

Five ultrasound machines were sampled over a period of three months. Three used for non-invasive procedures and two for invasive procedures. The equipment was sampled from the probe, probe holder, keyboard and gel.

The results revealed that 64.5% of the total samples were contaminated with environmental organisms, 7.7% with potential pathogens and 27.8% were no growth. The most significant contamination was found on the non-invasive equipment, probably due to the lower level of decontamination practices designated for this equipment.

Following the study, comprehensive decontamination guidelines for all ultrasound equipment were devised and distributed to all ultrasound departments, and staff were educated on the need for improved decontamination regimes.

Key Words: Ultrasound equipment • microbiological contamination • disinfection • decontamination guidelines


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