Comparison of methods for evaluating bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine suitable methods for evaluating bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes.


METHODS
We compared probe imprinting, swab streaking, and swab suspension methods for evaluating bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes.


RESULTS
Experimental and clinical investigations showed that the sensitivity for detecting bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes was higher with probe imprinting than with swab methods. Probe imprinting was very simple and required only agar plates.


CONCLUSIONS
Probe imprinting was the most suitable method for evaluating bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes.
Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Harumi
H
Koibuchi
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.
Kazuhiko
K
Kotani
Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Yasutomo
Y
Fujii
Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Kei
K
Konno
Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
Yoshikazu
Y
Hirai
Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Nobuyuki
N
Taniguchi
Bacterial contamination; Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus; Nosocomial infection; Probe imprinting; Ultrasound probe