Hospital-wide Survey of Bacterial Contamination of Point-of-care Ultrasound Probes and Coupling Gel

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the hospital-wide incidence of bacterial contamination of point-of-care (bedside) ultrasound probes and coupling gel at a single academic medical center to predict the risk of nosocomial spread of infection.

Methods: Bacterial cultures were performed on all point-of-care ultrasound probe surfaces and associated gel bottles in our institution (82 total probes in 9 separate departments). This process was repeated every 2 weeks for a total of 8 weeks; therefore, each probe was cultured 4 times during the study period.

Results: Of the 320 probe cultures, 18 (5.6%), resulted in positive growth, all of which identified nonpathogenic organisms common to human skin flora and the environment. No methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or other notable pathogens were identified. No gel cultures resulted in bacterial growth.

Conclusions: Bacterial contamination of point-of-care ultrasound probes and coupling gel is low at this single academic medical center and involves nonpathogenic organisms only.