EP01.62: Compliance test survey for the cleaning of ultrasound transducers between patients

The emergence of COVID-19 made us more aware of infection prevention and was a catalyst for a rethink of the way we reprocess reusable medical equipment, such as ultrasound transducers. ISUOG, WFUMB and the WHO were amongst the many groups that provided written statements and free webinars on how to reduce the risks of infection between the patient and health professional and how to properly clean transducers between patients. Correct transducer reprocessing is particularly relevant for endocavity transducers which could be contaminated with organisms from blood, mucosal, genital or rectal secretions. Although the reprocessing recommendations should still be followed, the question could be asked if there has there been a decrease in compliance post-pandemic? The objectives of this test survey was to ascertain what methods of transducer reprocessing are used by ultrasound practitioners for both surface and endocavity transducers after use. A face to face survey of 105 randomly selected ultrasound practitioners attending an international ultrasound conference was conducted. To ascertain suitability for inclusion in the study they were first asked if they used both surface and endocavity ultrasound transducers in their area of practice. Each participant was asked the same questions: How do you clean your endocavity transducer after use? How do you clean your surface transducer after use? Following endocavity procedures 38/105 (36.1%) of practitioners failed to use high-level disinfection for reprocessing the endocavity transducer. For the cleaning of surface transducers post-examination 73/105 (69.5%) of respondents did not reprocess with low level disinfection. The high percentage of non-compliance by ultrasound practitioners to international best practice in regards to transducer reprocessing recommendations indicates an urgent need for more assistance with education on the importance of correct transducer reprocessing.