Evaluation of portable ultrasound machine contamination in a community emergency department

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the gross contamination rate of a portable ultrasound (US) machine in a community Emergency Department (ED) and to examine whether there is an association between the time of the day and the frequency of contamination. Methods: A total of 61 photographic samples of the US machine were collected over 23 days to capture visible contamination. Collection times were evenly distributed over three blocks of time: day, evening, and night. Each sample consisted of six photos of the US machine and were categorized into three groups: (1) transducers, (2) touch screen, and (3) other areas. Samples were assessed for contamination on a three-point scale by three independent reviewers. Descriptive statistics and Chi Square test were used to describe the frequency of contamination, and relationship between time of day and frequency of contamination, respectively. Results : The transducers were contaminated with blood and body fluid in 2/62 (4%) and ultrasound gel in 52/61 (85%) samples. Gel contamination was found on the touchscreen in 52 (85%) samples, and 42 (69%) samples on the other areas. No significant association between time of day and contamination was found. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate various levels of gross visual contamination of the sole ultrasound machine in a community emergency department. We feel that this study provides a foundation for the development of local QI processes for US decontamination procedures as well as a platform for knowledge translation and future study.