{"id":108,"date":"2020-11-06T18:57:44","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T18:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tristel.com\/en-ca\/?post_type=post&p=108"},"modified":"2025-10-01T15:12:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T05:12:10","slug":"the-importance-of-high-level-disinfection-on-transvaginal-ultrasound-tvus-probes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tristel.com\/au-en\/latest-news\/the-importance-of-high-level-disinfection-on-transvaginal-ultrasound-tvus-probes\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of High-Level Disinfection on Transvaginal Ultrasound Probes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS) probes are pelvic ultrasound devices that use high-frequency sound waves for the creation of images1<\/sup>. They enable examinations of female reproductive organs such as the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, helping to identify and diagnose condition2<\/sup>. These examinations are internal and involve inserting the probe into the vaginal canal3<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why do TVUS probes require high-level disinfection?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

1. Infection Control Guideline Endorsement<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

When recommending methods of disinfection or sterilisation, infection control guidelines follow the Spaulding classification. The classification is based on the infection risk to patients taking into account the intended use of the device4<\/sup>. When entering the patient, TVUS probes contact the intact mucous membrane of the cervix and vaginal wall. Therefore, regulatory bodies recommend high-level disinfection of TVUS probes after use based on the Spaulding classification5<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PATIENT <\/strong>
CONTACT<\/strong><\/td>		DEVICE <\/strong>
CLASSIFICATION<\/strong><\/td>		DECONTAMINATION METHOD<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Intact skin<\/td>Non-critical<\/td>Low or intermediate-level disinfection<\/td><\/tr>
Mucous membranes or non-intact skin<\/td>Semi-critical<\/td>High-level disinfection<\/td><\/tr>
Sterile areas of the body including blood contact<\/td>Critical<\/td>Sterilisation<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Spaulding Classication<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Micro Perforation & Probe Cover Leakage Risks<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The use of probe covers is endorsed by global guidelines to minimise contamination when performing TVUS procedures6-15<\/sup>. Contamination can still occur from micro perforations, partial and complete breaks of the cover during use, or incorrect placement of the cover on the probe (see Figure 1.). Some commercially produced ultrasound probe covers have unacceptably high leakage rates of up to 81%, and are not a reliable barrier against infectious agents, particularly viruses16<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Micro Perforation & Probe Cover Leakage Risks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Contamination can remain even when a TVUS probe is covered and disinfected with an intermediate or low-level disinfectant17-20<\/sup>. If a TVUS probe is insufficiently disinfected in between patient use, or the cover was damaged\/incorrectly placed (see Figure1.), nosocomial transmission can occur from patient to patient, or from patient to healthcare worker. The use of disinfectants with insufficient efficacy on medical devices will not reduce the contamination to a safe level. Pathogens can also persist for prolonged periods if a surface or device is not sufficiently disinfected. For example, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can survive on surfaces for up to seven days21<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. TVUS Probe Cable and Plug Contamination<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

TVUS probe components at risk of blood and microbial contamination include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n