Evaluation of procedures for decontaminating ultrasound probes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine suitable procedures for decontaminating ultrasound probes.


METHODS
We investigated bacterial transmission via ultrasound probes that were not wiped, wiped with a plain paper towel, or wiped with an ethanol-soaked paper towel.


RESULTS
The unwiped probes transmitted large numbers of bacteria, which were markedly reduced by wiping the probes with a plain paper towel, and almost completely eliminated by wiping with an ethanol-soaked paper towel.


CONCLUSIONS
Improperly decontaminated ultrasound probes can transmit bacteria among patients. Ultrasound probes should be decontaminated by wiping with a paper towel after examinations to prevent bacterial transmission. Plain or ethanol-soaked paper towels should be used depending on the situation.
Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan. shunhaya@jichi.ac.jp.
Shunji
S
Hayashi
Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Harumi
H
Koibuchi
Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Nobuyuki
N
Taniguchi
Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
Yoshikazu
Y
Hirai
Bacterial transmission; Ethanol; Nosocomial infection; Paper towel; Ultrasound probe