Superiority of chlorhexidine 2%/alcohol 70% wipes in decontaminating ultrasound equipment

Abstract

Ultrasound equipment is known to act as a reservoir for potentially pathogenic organisms. The aims of these studies were to establish current cleaning practices, to review the extent of bacterial contamination of ultrasound equipment in our hospital, to establish an effective cleaning regimen and to ensure that cleaning does not cause damage. A questionnaire was sent to all acute NHS hospitals in England to establish current cleaning practices. A review of our current practice was performed to establish the extent of bacterial contamination of ultrasound equipment currently in use. Laboratory studies compared cleaning the probes with soap and water with decontaminating with a chlorhexidine 2% and alcohol 70% wipe, including quantifying the residual effect. Accelerated aging was performed on the probe and staff surveyed to establish potential problems with using the wipes on the probe. The survey revealed that a variety of cleaning methods were used to decontaminate ultrasound probes; 57% of our ultrasound machines were contaminated with bacteria. The laboratory studies showed superiority of the chlorhexidine and alcohol wipes over soap and water due to a residual effect, both immediately after cleaning and after 24 hours. The staff survey demonstrated no apparent change in function of the probe after cleaning with the chlorhexidine wipes. Cleaning ultrasound probes with chlorhexidine and alcohol wipes is effective and provides additional protection against bacterial contamination due to its residual effect, and appears in the short term to have no detrimental effect on the probe.

Low-cost antimicrobial fortification of ultrasound coupling gel: An ergonomic innovation to combat sonology-acquired nosocomial infections

“…One could be worried about the potential for physical degradation of the transducer head by the fortified gel. However, this concern has been put to rest by the work of Shukla et al who reported no damaging effect to the transducer when repeatedly wiped with 2% chlorhexidine/70% alcohol wipes 25…”

Combatting COVID-19: is ultrasound an important piece in the diagnostic puzzle?

“…Use chlorhexidine/alcohol or soap-based wipes to clean transducer heads, as well as the entire length of probe cables, screen and cart after scanning. 35 Wait for up to 3 min ‘dry time’ after using disinfectant wipes before using the machine again.…”

Comparison of Effectiveness of 70%-isopropanol, 65%-ethanol and 1%-chlorhexidine for Stethoscope Decontamination

“…The microbial growth was inhibited by 85.2% 33 to 92.8% 30 with IPA compared to 92.5% 30,33 with ethyl alcohol, however, statistically the efficacy of EA and IPA remained same. Further studies revealed that 1% chlorhexidine (CH) also significantly reduced the bioburden and was superior to 70% IPA in preventing recontamination of the stethoscopes, however, there was no significant difference in the efficacy of IPA and CH 22,38 . Though IPA is widely used, the duration recommended is still unclear and the studies comparing the antimicrobial activity of various disinfectants on decontamination of stethoscope are scanty.…”