AB048. SOH24AB_011. What is the impact high-level disinfection technology on microbial colonization in ultrasound/endocavity probes?

Background: This review is an important step in increasing users’ awareness of the link between microbial colonization and ultrasound and endocavity probe use. Updating services and protecting patients from healthcare-related infections is our primary goal.

Methods: Databases CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and Embase were searched between the 5th to the 11th of January 2022 for relevant studies. Grey literature was searched in January 2022 for further studies. Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) framework was used to develop the research question. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework were then used in conducting the systematic review. Eleven articles from 229 studies met inclusion criteria from four databases and grey literature. The evidence-based librarianship (EBL) critical appraisal technique was used to assess the quality of the eleven qualifying studies. Narrative synthesis assessed recovered data.

Results: Eleven articles were reviewed in this systematic review. Ultrasound and endocavity probes were not always disinfected sufficiently, as was highlighted in the studies. Ultrasound and endocavity probes may be the catalysis that allows the spread of infection. More focus is needed on guidelines and standards, which will allow practitioners to be more compliant in terms of disinfection efficacy and efficiency.

Conclusions: This systematic review has shown that ultrasound and endocavity probes should be processed as a semi-critical device and be high-level disinfected using an automated system after every patient use. This is a validated and repeatable method of high-level disinfection. This accompanied by the education of all staff, single-use gel, and suitable sheaths/condoms will ensure our patients’ safety.

Keywords: Disinfection; ultrasound probe; infection; automation; endocavity probe