• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.51-58
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• 2004

The gel, which is stained on probe after ultrasonography, is a good circumstances for proliferation of microbe. This study is to investigate into the actual state of sanitary management, recognition degree and infection level of ultrasonographic probes. We had performed a question with telephone to 42 hospitals in Seoul area from December in 2003. We also cultured to obtained a sample from three ultrasonographic units to investigate infection level of the probes. Sanitary management of the probes was performed in 21 hospitals with alcohol cotton. Sanitary management was performed daily in 14 hospitals. Most hospitals used cotton towel for clearing of gel stained on probes. Preventive management against infection was performed in 32 hospitals with vinyl cover, surgical glove, or alcohol sterilization etc. In the recognition degree on infection, the response that using method of ultrasonographic probes is insanitary were in 78.6%(33 hospitals), and 54.8%(23 hospitals) responded that bacteria can be infected through the probes. In the results of germiculture, bacteria and fungi were detected too number of to count, but escherichia coli was not detected. In conclusion, The gel stained on probe after ultrasonography must be cleared completely, and it is necessary that change of recognition on sanitary management.