Journal of radiological science and technology (대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학)

Korean Society of Radiological Science (대한방사선과학회)
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A Study on Microbial Contamination and Disinfection of Ultrasonic Probe in Metropolitan Area

수도권 지역의 초음파 프로브의 미생물 오염도와 소독에 관한 연구

  • 이현경 (한국의학연구소 영상의학과) ;
  • 김삼수 (igm 주식회사) ;
  • 허영철 (을지대학교 대학원 보건학과) ;
  • 한동균 (을지대학교 대학원 보건학과)
  • Received : 2018.08.14
  • Accepted : 2018.10.24
  • Published : 2018.10.31
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Abstract

There was a shortage of research reports on sterilization criterion and contamination of ultrasonic probes. Therefore, in this study, we were going to provide a basic study to measure the level of microbial contamination in ultrasonic probes and to investigate the radiographer's awareness of infection. After the scan, samples were collected from the rubber part of the probe by opening a sterile swab (Transport Medium AM608-1S) for medical bacteria collection with the remaining gel removed with a paper towel. Also, the collected samples of bacteria were grown for seven days and then the laboratory was analyzed. Among the total 29 types of microorganisms, Micrococcus luteus 21(26%), Moraxella species 16(20%), Coagulase negative staphylococcus 8(10%), Bacillus species 5(7%), Bicillus circulans 3(5%), Acinetobacter lwoffii 2(2%), and 1 other Candida parapsilosis (1%) a number of bacteria and fungus, was detected. In a disinfectant experiment using LuciPac Pen on the Lumitester PD-30s, we cultured the rubber part of the probe two to three times to measure the bacteria. Bacteria decreased to 97% with Aquanax (alkaline reduced water 100%), 99% with Klarion wash (0.01% sodium hydroxide), 94% with Klarion disinfection (0.01% nitrous acid water), Sterilization was best with Klarion wash (0.01% sodium hydroxide). Therefore, guidelines for cleaning and disinfection of ultrasonic probes was required, and further development of probe-only disinfectants is required.

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References

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