Sterilisation of Transvaginal Probes

By now, most of you will have heard of the disaster in Ontario, where a transrectal probe (used for taking prostate biopsies) was improperly sterilized. This led to 681 men being called for HIV and hepatitis testing, with the effects one can imagine. As a result of this, the Ontario government ordered a complete review of sterilization procedures in the provinces hospitals.

Obviously, there is a world of difference between a transrectal biopsy probe and a probe used exclusively for transvaginal scanning of sexually active women. The condom covering the probe is subjected to far less stress and breakage is unheard of. Far more importantly, the condom is never punctured, as it is by the biopsy procedure. This inevitably leaves traces not only of blood, but also of tissue, which is a far greater problem.

Be that as it may, the emotional nature of this situation, combined with the nascent status of ED U/S in Canada, mandate an extraordinary degree of caution. If anything, we must be seen to be overcautious.

CEUS therefore recommends that transvaginal probes be soaked in Cidex for ten minutes after each use. They should then be rinsed with tap water and wiped with a clean cloth. The Cidex container should be covered when not in use. The Cidex should be changed after two weeks, regardless of the level of use (which will obviously be trivial compared to the radiology department).

Reviewed and Approved by Dr. Guy Hebert, Technical Advisor

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