diaphragmatic-ultrasound-adults-image-acquisition

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Diaphragm dysfunction is a widely recognized concern across numerous medical specialties and clinical settings. Timely and accurate assessment of the ...

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Single-injection, ultrasound-guided nerve block procedures involve puncturing the skin in close proximity to an ultrasound transducer, creating a potential vector for transmission of microbial organisms when skin flora and blood come into contact with the probe. Practice patterns regarding disinfection of the transducer and the use of barrier protection are inconsistent, ranging from sterile sleeve probe covers to no cover at all. Although sleeve probe covers are easy and straightforward to use and serve to protect patients, providers and medical equipment, their utilisation remains controversial. Standardisation of their use eliminates the impact of improper or haphazard probe disinfection and makes infection control practices consistent and reproducible. This position is shared by multiple societies and authorities on ultrasound and acute care medicine. In this Daring Discourse, we outline the arguments supporting the utilisation of single-use sleeve probe covers to ensure patient safety with respect to vector-borne transmission of microbes during single-injection regional anaesthesia procedures.

Ariana Prinzbach

Biography

JoVE Journal Publications

Other Publications