title: Evaluation of a new disinfection method for ultrasound probes used for regional anesthesia: ultraviolet C light.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is commonly used for block placement. At present, the risk of cross contamination from probes is not well documented. To avoid transmission of infectious agents, several methods have been used for probe disinfection and protection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of a new high-level disinfection method based on ultraviolet C (UV-C) light under routine conditions after block placement with an unprotected probe.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was after approval by the local Ethics Committee. In the first part of the study, 15 ultrasound probes were exposed to a large inoculum of 3 bacteria. Ultraviolet C disinfection consisted of cleaning the probe with dry and disinfectant-impregnated paper followed by a 90-second UV-C disinfection cycle in a decontamination chamber. A protocol was established to retrieve the probe with sterile gloves after opening the door of the chamber. In the second part, 50 blocks were placed with ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. The skin was first prepared with an antiseptic solution, and sterile gel was applied; no covers were used to protect the probes. The blocks were then disinfected with UV-C light. Bacteriologic samples were collected before and after the UV-C method and inoculated on chocolate agar plates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the first part of the study, all probes were infected after inoculation (>150 colony-forming units) but were considered sterile (<10 colony-forming units) after disinfection. During the second part of the study, all probes were considered sterile before and after disinfection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultraviolet C disinfection seems relevant for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia just before block placement. It offers simple, fast, and effective high-level disinfection. Moreover, this method should obviate the use of sterile probe covers, which can improve echogenicity.
authors.affiliation: Claude Galien Private Hospital, 20 Route de Boussy, 91480 Quincy-Sous-Sénart, France. francanest@mac.com
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bloc
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mercadal
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Garnier
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Komly
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leclerc
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Morel
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ecoffey
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dhonneur
mesh_terms: D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D014159:Transducers / Q000382:microbiology*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays