An investigation was conducted to determine how well sonographers clean transducers and other sonography-related equipment. Previous studies have shown that cross-contamination is possible between patients during a sonogram and may lead to nosocomial infections. The potential for infecting patients is now common knowledge, so research was conducted to establish how well sonographers are sterilizing the equipment. The equipment from the sonography departments of six hospitals and clinics was tested for the presence of bacteria and fungi. Growth was present at every facility. Although only normal skin flora, including yeast, were isolated, sonographers must be more diligent in the prevention of cross-contamination in patients.
Ohara T, Itoh Y, Itoh K: Ultrasound instruments as possible vectors of staphylococcal infection. J Hosp Infect1998;40:73–77.
2.
Patterson SL, Monga M, Silva JB, Bishop KD, Blanco JD: Microbiologic assessment of the transabdominal ultrasound transducer head. Southern Med J1996;89:503– 504.
3.
O'Doherty AJ, Murphy PG, Curran RA: Risk of Staphylococcus aureus transmission during ultrasound investigation. J Ultrasound Med1989;8:619–620.
4.
Ohara T, Itoh Y, Itoh K: Contaminated ultrasound probes: a possible source of nosocomial infections. J Hosp Infect1999;43:73-73.
5.
Abdullah JJ, Mohd Yusof MY, Khoo BH: Physical methods of reducing the transmission of nosocomial infections via ultrasound and probe. Clin Radiol1998;53:212–214.
6.
Gaillot O, Maruéjouls C, Abachin É: Nosocomial outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing SHV-5 extended-spectrum • -lactamase, originating from a contaminated ultrasonography coupling gel. J Clin Microbiol1998;36:1357–1360.
7.
Karadeniz YM, Kiliç D, Altan SK, Altinok D, Güney Ş: Evaluation of the role of ultrasound machines as a source of nosocomial and cross-infection. Invest Radiol2001;36:554–558.
8.
Spencer P, Spencer RC: Ultrasound scanning of postoperative wounds—the risks of cross-infection. Clin Radiol1988;39:245–246.
