Summary
Infection control is a key part of healthcare and it’s equally important in medical imaging, including ultrasound. Ensuring a sterile and safe environment during ultrasound procedures protects not only patients but also healthcare professionals. In this article, we explore the basic practices of ultrasound infection control.
Hand hygiene:
Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection control. Healthcare workers should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before and after each contact with a patient. This practice reduces the risk of transmission of pathogens.
Personal protective equipment:
Healthcare professionals should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and gowns when performing ultrasound procedures. Gloves should be changed between patients and gowns should be worn if there is a risk of contact with body fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Cleaning the sensor and equipment:
Ultrasonic sensors and devices must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use. Depending on the type of sensor and its use, advanced disinfection or sterilization methods are used. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection.
Gel dispensing and contamination prevention:
Use gel dispensers to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Avoid using gel containers that require manual filling, as they can become a source of infection if handled improperly.
Environmental hygiene:
Maintain a clean and sterile examination room. Clean surfaces and equipment regularly with appropriate disinfectants. Pay special attention to touch areas such as door handles, light switches, and ultrasound machine controls.
Sensor covers:
Disposable probe covers are used to prevent direct contact between the probe and the patient and skin or body fluids. Always use a new sterile drape for each patient.
Gel hygiene:
Use single-dose gel packs to minimize the risk of gel contamination. Avoid using multi-purpose gel containers as they can be a source of cross-infection.
Waste management:
Dispose of contaminated materials, such as used gloves and probe covers, in accordance with biohazard disposal practices. Proper waste management is essential to prevent the spread of infections.
Staff training:
Ensure all staff are properly trained in infection control protocols and techniques. Regular training and updates help reinforce best practices.
Patient education:
Patients can also participate in infection control. Tell them about the importance of hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Encourage them to report any signs of infection before the ultrasound visit.
In summary, infection control using ultrasound is an important part of healthcare, ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare professionals. By following basic practices such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, cleaning of equipment, and environmental hygiene, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced. These practices create a safe and sterile environment for ultrasound procedures and contribute to the overall quality of health care.
