APIC 2019 spotlight: Standardizing ultrasound probe disinfection practices

Nanosonics has announced plans to demonstrate its proprietary automated trophon2 complete ultrasound reprocessing system during an educational breakfast symposium at the 2019 APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) convention, June 12 to 14 in Philadelphia.

“Standardizing Ultrasound Probe Reprocessing: The Ultrasound Infection Prevention (IP) Toolkit,” will be presented by Robert Garcia, a senior infection preventionist, researcher and consultant for nearly 40 years, and Betty McGinty, a medical device reprocessing expert and quality director for a major healthcare system in Atlanta, said the company.

The focus will be implementing and supporting reliable and effective reprocessing of probes throughout hospitals with special emphasis on recent research, federal guidelines and the successful application of the Ultrasound IP Toolkit.

The Ultrasound IP Toolkit was developed by industry experts to help users meet existing evidence-based guidelines and standards. The toolkit can assist departments, facilities or entire healthcare systems systematically standardize their ultrasound infection prevention practices.

“As the rapid increase of ultrasound imaging presents potential infection control challenges throughout hospitals, appropriate education is crucial to maintaining patient safety and minimizing infection transmission,” said Rose Seavey, president of Seavey Healthcare Consulting and a device reprocessing expert involved in the development of national standards, in a prepared statement. Seavey is also a member of the expert group behind the development of the Ultrasound IP Toolkit.

“There are areas of procedure awareness that need to be explored and addressed, including the application of high-level disinfection (HLD) to surface ultrasound transducers used in invasive procedures in accordance with Spaulding,” continues Seavey. “The Ultrasound IP Toolkit was created by a group of concerned infection preventionists and reprocessing experts to offer a valuable educational resource designed to help facilities standardize their ultrasound disinfection practices, create policy and more effectively prevent infections.”

Ruth M. Carrico, Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky, and Garcia will present their findings from a recent survey of IPs regarding a variety of disinfection and use practices for ultrasound probes during APIC’s Educational Session #3204. In addition, an observational study on the use and reprocessing of probes in interventional procedures will be presented.

Ken Shaw, president of North America for Nanosonics added that his company will also showcase trophon2, its latest innovation in HLD for probes that offers a complete, automated reprocessing solution that he says is proven to be effective against a wide range of pathogens and supports SPD compliance with the latest guideline requirements. Interactive stations at the Nanosonics booth #709 will feature probe compatibility, the robust testing process that they go through, and the trophon AuditPro, a new data management service for compliance reporting and audit readiness.