Standard Precautions
The implementation of standard precautions are the minimum steps to prevent the spread of infection and protect healthcare professionals. According to the American Professionals in Infection Control (APIC), standard precautions include:7
- Hand hygiene
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)2
- Either an N95 mask, for which one has been fit-tested, or a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
- A face shield or goggles
- A gown
- Gloves
- Safe injection practices
- Safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces in the patient environment
- Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette.
Per World Health Organization guidance, the correct and consistent use of PPE also helps reduce the spread of pathogens. PPE effectiveness depends strongly on adequate and regular supplies, adequate staff training, appropriate hand hygiene, and appropriate human behavior.5
The safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment includes preventing the spread of infection when using ultrasound. Disposable covers, such as long ultrasound probe sheath covers, should be considered to reduce droplet and contact contamination of equipment and other environmental surfaces.2
- A long sheath cover of the ultrasound unit and cable should be used to minimize contamination of the equipment.
- Per the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology (ISUOG), commercial transducer covers or condoms should be considered for transvaginal examinations or invasive procedures, and a cover for the ultrasound cable is recommended.10
- Non-essential parts of the ultrasound cart may best be covered with drapes to minimize droplet exposure.
- Use only covers designed to serve as a viral barrier for ultrasound. Australasian Society of Ultrasound Medicine (ASUM) and Australasian College for Infection Prevention & Control (ACIPC) warn against the use of “Home-made solutions such as plastic bags, cling film, surgical gloves or transparent film dressing,” as they are not substitutes for ultrasound covers.11
CIVCO ultrasound probe covers serve as effective viral barriers to protect against microbial migration of viruses such as SARS-CoV-24. Our covers have been tested by an independent laboratory to evaluate the barrier properties to penetration by bloodborne pathogens and are effective against human viruses 27 nanometers (nm) and larger. The SARS-CoV virus is estimated to be 60-140 nm in diameter.6
CIVCO’s TEE Probe Transport and Enzymatic Sponge Bundle is designed to properly pre-clean and transport your ultrasound probe in a closed container promptly after the procedure. The tray is single-use to prevent the spread of infections.
