Hospital‐Wide Survey of Bacterial Contamination of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Probes and Coupling Gel. (1st March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lawrence, Matthew W.; Blanks, James; Ayala, Ruben; Talk, Douglas; Macian, Diana; Glasser, Jessie; Schofer, Joel M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ultrasound in medicine. Volume 33:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 457
• Page End: 462
• Publication Date: 2014-03-01
• Subjects: bacterial -- contamination -- gel -- methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus -- point-of-care ultrasound -- ultrasound; Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; Ultrasonics; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonics in medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.7863/ultra.33.3.457
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-4297

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the hospital‐wide incidence of bacterial contamination of point‐of‐care (bedside) ultrasound probes and coupling gel at a single academic medical center to predict the risk of nosocomial spread of infection. Methods: Bacterial cultures were performed on all point‐of‐care ultrasound probe surfaces and associated gel bottles in our institution (82 total probes in 9 separate departments). This process was repeated every 2 weeks for a total of 8 weeks; therefore, each probe was cultured 4 times during the study period. Results: Of the 320 probe cultures, 18 (5.6%), resulted in positive growth, all of which identified nonpathogenic organisms common to human skin flora and the environment. No methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus or other notable pathogens were identified. No gel cultures resulted in bacterial growth. Conclusions: Bacterial contamination of point‐of‐care ultrasound probes and coupling gel is low at this single academic medical center and involves nonpathogenic organisms only.