Cleaning of sonogram probe(transducer)

[JACK]

Dear colleagues,

I wanted to know what your local practices are in cleaning the cranial sonogram probe(transducer) between patients? Cranial sonograms are a routine procedure in all NICUs and I was wondering if there is an infection transmission risk while using the probe on multiple patients without cleaning the probe between procedures.

[Francesco Cardona]

We always disinfect before and after use with topical disinfectants.

http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/Disinfection_Sterilization/17_00Recommendations.html (I would say 4.b applies in this case)

As mentioned in the CDC recommendation it is unclear if this is sufficient if stained with blood or multi-resistant germs.

[JACK]

Thank you for the excellent resource. Very helpful.

[Stefan Johansson]

We always clean the probe between patients.

Please note that some alcohols may damage the probe's plastic surface.

We are adviced (from the manufacturer) to us an isopropanol-based desinfectant.