In recent years, ultrasound has become an essential tool when it comes to making accurate clinical decision making. But with the increase in ultrasound use, extra care must be taken to ensure that ultrasound machines and probes are effectively disinfected – especially given that recent findings have drawn a correlation between infection outbreaks and incorrect use of ultrasound equipment1.
Endoscopic procedures, transoesophageal echocardiography, transvaginal and transrectal probes (as semi-invasive procedures) require particular attention. The same applies to non-invasive probes when used for vascular access, cannulation and wound assessment, as the probes are in direct contact with broken skin.
To prevent infection transmission through ultrasound, a range of decontamination practices must be performed both before and after using the equipment on a patient.
This article will provide you with guidance on good practices and procedures for ultrasound machine cleaning and ultrasound probe disinfection as well as ways to ensure that workplace disinfection standard procedures have maximum compliance for patient and staff safety.