%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluation of procedures for decontaminating ultrasound probes.
%A Hayashi S
%A Koibuchi H
%A Taniguchi N
%A Hirai Y
%J J Med Ultrason (2001)
%V 39
%N 1
%D Jan 2012
%M 27278699
%F 1.878
%R 10.1007/s10396-011-0332-9
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To determine suitable procedures for decontaminating ultrasound probes.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We investigated bacterial transmission via ultrasound probes that were not wiped, wiped with a plain paper towel, or wiped with an ethanol-soaked paper towel.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The unwiped probes transmitted large numbers of bacteria, which were markedly reduced by wiping the probes with a plain paper towel, and almost completely eliminated by wiping with an ethanol-soaked paper towel.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Improperly decontaminated ultrasound probes can transmit bacteria among patients. Ultrasound probes should be decontaminated by wiping with a paper towel after examinations to prevent bacterial transmission. Plain or ethanol-soaked paper towels should be used depending on the situation.