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Insights into Imaging
Published in: Insights into Imaging 6/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Guideline

Infection prevention and control in ultrasound - best practice recommendations from the European Society of Radiology Ultrasound Working Group

Authors: Christiane M. Nyhsen, Hilary Humphreys, Roland J. Koerner, Nicolas Grenier, Adrian Brady, Paul Sidhu, Carlos Nicolau, Gerhard Mostbeck, Mirko D’Onofrio, Afshin Gangi, Michel Claudon

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 6/2017

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Abstract

Objectives

The objective of these recommendations is to highlight the importance of infection prevention and control in ultrasound (US), including diagnostic and interventional settings.

Methods

Review of available publications and discussion within a multidisciplinary group consistent of radiologists and microbiologists, in consultation with European patient and industry representatives.

Recommendations

Good basic hygiene standards are essential. All US equipment must be approved prior to first use, including hand held devices. Any equipment in direct patient contact must be cleaned and disinfected prior to first use and after every examination. Regular deep cleaning of the entire US machine and environment should be undertaken. Faulty transducers should not be used. As outlined in presented flowcharts, low level disinfection is sufficient for standard US on intact skin. For all other minor and major interventional procedures as well as all endo-cavity US, high level disinfection is mandatory. Dedicated transducer covers must be used when transducers are in contact with mucous membranes or body fluids and sterile gel should be used inside and outside covers.

Conclusions

Good standards of basic hygiene and thorough decontamination of all US equipment as well as appropriate use of US gel and transducer covers are essential to keep patients safe.

Main messages

• Transducers must be cleaned/disinfected before first use and after every examination.
• Low level disinfection is sufficient for standard US on intact skin.
• High level disinfection is mandatory for endo-cavity US and all interventions.
• Dedicated transducer covers must be used for endo-cavity US and all interventions.
• Sterile gel should be used for all endo-cavity US and all interventions.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
The Spaulding Classification was proposed by Earle Spaulding in 1939 and is still widely used in the literature and guidance documents
 
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Metadata
Title
Infection prevention and control in ultrasound - best practice recommendations from the European Society of Radiology Ultrasound Working Group
Authors
Christiane M. Nyhsen
Hilary Humphreys
Roland J. Koerner
Nicolas Grenier
Adrian Brady
Paul Sidhu
Carlos Nicolau
Gerhard Mostbeck
Mirko D’Onofrio
Afshin Gangi
Michel Claudon
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Insights into Imaging / Issue 6/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-017-0580-3

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