In ED, ultrasonography is performed in patients suffering from various infection. The Ultrasound probe may act as a carrier of infection from patient to patient. This is a particularly serious threat in ICU patients. No strict protocol of sterilization of the probe between the patients exists. In fact, this may not be practical due to the patient load.
Are there any guidelines?
I agree with your observation. Both patient and person performing it at risk. But if one adhere with universal principles then things could b avoided. I feel a study may b conducted in the same
Thank you sir. I will definitely try and conduct a research in this critical issue
Regards
Nice thought. There do exists the risk but it will 'almost' be as that of any other formite born disease till the skin is intact we do not touch any body secretions of the patients. In ICU setting, yes obviously, there is a potential risk, especially when the usg machines being taken from one to another ward. In this context I think a simple sterilized disposable probe cover ( available commercially) covering the good length of probe cable will do the job. Good to carry out the study on it, i shall be following.
Inappropriate reprocessing of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) probes can lead to cross-contamination and nosocomial infections, posing a risk to patients' health and to pregnant women's unborn children1,2
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