High rates of perforation are found in endovaginal ultrasound probe covers before and after oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.
OBJECTIVE
To study perforation rates of sterile transvaginal ultrasound probe covers before and after oocyte retrieval (OPU) in an IVF-ET program.


METHODS
Transvaginal ultrasound probe sheaths from two different manufacturers were studied, Cook Innoray (Cook-Canada #TTUPS-100) and Swemed Lab (Frolunda Sweden #715). After controlled ovarian stimulation, OPU was done using the needle guide of a sterile sheathed 5-MHz transvaginal ultrasound transducer (ATL Bothell, Washington, USA). A newer designed Cook probe cover supplied by the manufacturer was also tested after the company was made aware of our initial perforation results. Following each OPU, probe covers were examined for perforations by filling them with water and checking for leaks. If perforations were found, the vaginal transducer was disinfected by soaking for 20 min in 2% gluteraldehyde (Formac). Twenty unused sterile probe covers from each manufacturer were also tested for perforations.


RESULTS
After OPU we found 10/13 (75%) old Cook, and 35/43 (81%) Swemed probe covers to be perforated (NS). Only 5/20 (25%) of the new design Cook probe covers were perforated post OPU (p = 0.000005). Analysis of unused probe covers revealed 13/20 (65%) Cook, and 5/20 (25%) Swemed probe covers to be perforated (P = 0.02). None of 10 new design unused Cook probe covers were perforated before use.
Hignett
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ottawa Civic Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Claman
P
P
D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D018587:Oocyte Donation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011786:Quality Control; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D014621:Vagina