Infection prevention and ultrasound probe decontamination practices in Europe: a survey of the European Society of Radiology.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Although ultrasound (US) is considered one of the safest imaging modalities, concerns have been raised regarding potential infection transmission risks through US procedures. A survey was undertaken by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) to establish infection prevention and control measures in US and to highlight the importance of good medical practice.

Methods

An online survey was sent to all 22,000 full ESR members.

Results

The response rate of completed surveys was 4.3 % (946 practitioners, 97 % of which were radiologists, mostly working in larger hospital settings). Among respondents, 29 %, 11 % and 6 % did not disinfect the US probe after every patient when performing standard surface US, endo-cavity US and interventional procedures, respectively.

SUBMITTER: Nyhsen CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5110482 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature