Hospital-wide survey of bacterial contamination of point-of-care ultrasound probes and coupling gel.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the hospital-wide incidence of bacterial contamination of point-of-care (bedside) ultrasound probes and coupling gel at a single academic medical center to predict the risk of nosocomial spread of infection.

Methods: Bacterial cultures were performed on all point-of-care ultrasound probe surfaces and associated gel bottles in our institution (82 total probes in 9 separate departments). This process was repeated every 2 weeks for a total of 8 weeks; therefore, each probe was cultured 4 times during the study period.