Ultrasound Transducer Infection Control in Emergency Department: Bacterial Load and Effectiveness of Different Cleaning Methods
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Abstract
Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is increasingly used across medical fields, highlighting the need to prevent cross-contamination through ultrasound probes. This study aims to assess bacterial contamination on ultrasound probes and evaluate the effectiveness of different cleaning methods. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency department of a hospital in Kelantan from August 2023 to February 2024. Pre- and post-cleaning samples were collected from ultrasound probes meeting the inclusion criteria. Three cleaning methods were compared: 4% chlorhexidine (CHD), quaternary ammonium compound, and clean papers. Results were measured in colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/ml). Results: A total of 99 samples were collected, with equal distribution among the three cleaning methods. Most probes (83.8%) were used in non-trauma cases, and 99% of gross contamination was from wet gel, with blood accounting for 1%. Curvilinear probes showed the highest bacterial growth, with a median of 3450 CFU/ml (range: 0–7.2 × 10⁵). All cleaning methods significantly reduced bacterial contamination (p<0.001), with 4% CHD showing the greatest reduction. No other factors were significantly associated with bacterial load. Conclusion: Ultrasound probes are prone to bacterial contamination, but proper cleaning methods, particularly using 4% CHD, can significantly reduce contamination levels.
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