Nanosonics is proud to support the development of the Ultrasound Infection Prevention Toolkit in UK and Ireland

The Ultrasound IP Toolkit is a free resource developed with consensus by a collective of clinical decontamination and infection prevention experts, including Nanosonics.

Effective decontamination of ultrasound probes is a crucial aspect of minimising the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Given the widespread use of ultrasound probes throughout various hospital departments, it is imperative to not only identify all probes but also establish a standardised operating procedure (SOP) for decontamination across the entire healthcare organisation.

Below are the recommended steps for creating and implementing an SOP:

Step 1: locate and profile ultrasound probes

The initial step involves a thorough assessment of the ultrasound probes in use within the healthcare facility. This includes observing their condition, assessing current decontamination practices against usage,  and identifying any discrepancies between current guidelines and existing standard operating procedures.

Step 2: algorithm for reprocessing

Once all ultrasound probes have been identified, it is essential to create an algorithm that specifies the correct reprocessing requirements  needed, based on guidelines and organised by department. A well-defined algorithm streamlines the decontamination process, making it applicable, efficient and effective.

Step 3: risk assessment

To further enhance infection prevention, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted. This assessment should consider potential hazards encountered during the entire life cycle of ultrasound probes, from their use to reprocessing, storage, traceability  and staff training.

Step 4: policy development

Developing a robust ultrasound infection prevention policy specific to your healthcare facility is vital. This policy should encapsulate the findings and recommendations from the previous steps, outlining clear guidelines and protocols for ultrasound probe decontamination. The policy serves as a critical reference document for healthcare professionals and ensures consistent adherence to best practices.

Ultrasound Infection Prevention Toolkit:

To assist healthcare organisations in achieving these crucial steps, a specialised Ultrasound Infection Prevention Toolkit has been developed.

The toolkit comprises four free tools designed to facilitate the implementation of the above actions and can be accessed here.

By following the recommended steps outlined in this article and utilising the Ultrasound Infection Prevention Toolkit, healthcare facilities can establish, adapt, and implement a rigorous  SOP for ultrasound probe decontamination. This proactive approach contributes significantly to the overall safety and wellbeing of both patients and healthcare providers.

This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.