Reducing transmission risk through high-level disinfection of transvaginal ultrasound transducer handles.
Intracavity ultrasound transducer handles are not routinely immersed in liquid high-level disinfectants. We show that residual bacteria, including pathogens, persist on more than 80% of handles that are not disinfected, whereas use of an automated device reduces contamination to background levels. Clinical staff should consider the need for handle disinfection.
1East Melbourne Ultrasound,East Melbourne,VIC,Australia.
Andrew
A
Ngu
2Royal Hospital for Women,Randwick,NSW,Australia.
Glenn
G
McNally
3Nanosonics Ltd. Alexandria,NSW,Australia.
Dipika
D
Patel
4Sydney Medical School,Department of Infectious Disease,University of Sydney,NSW,Australia.
Vivian
V
Gorgis
5EA2415 Unit,Montpellier 1 University,Montpellier.
Sandrine
S
Leroy
7Catalyst Consultants,Coogee,NSW,Australia.
Jon
J
Burdach
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D019160:Endosonography / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods