Journal of radiological science and technology (대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학)

Korean Society of Radiological Science (대한방사선과학회)
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Causes of Bacterial Growth in Gels and Gel Containers Used for Ultrasonography

초음파 검사용 젤과 젤 용기의 세균증식 원인

  • Kim, A-Young (Department of Radiological Science, Daegu Catholic University) ;
  • Cho, Pyoung-Kon (Department of Radiological Science, Daegu Catholic University) ;
  • Song, Do-Young (Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daegu Fatima Medical Center) ;
  • Kim, Su-Jung (Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Daegu Health College)
  • 김아영 (대구가톨릭대학교 의료방사선학과) ;
  • 조평곤 (대구가톨릭대학교 의료방사선학과) ;
  • 송도영 (대구파티마병원 진단검사의학과) ;
  • 김수정 (대구보건대학교 임상병리학과)
  • Received : 2020.08.19
  • Accepted : 2020.10.17
  • Published : 2020.10.31
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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the causes of bacterial growth to prevent infection caused by ultrasound gel and gel containers in contact with patients during ultrasonography. To investigate bacterial contamination during manufacturing or storage, we cultured ultrasound gels originally supplied from three manufacturers. To analyze bacterial growth according to the lapse of time and frequency of use of the ultrasound gel container, the gel and container were cultured at regular intervals every week for 4 weeks. In addition, to determine the source of infection, the examiner's hand was inspected with hand plate and the degree of bacterial contamination was measured before the test. As a result of the study, bacteria were not detected in the gel provided at the initial supply, and in the gel and gel container used repeatedly for 4 weeks, the same bacteria residing on the skin were identified in the examiner's hand, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Leuconostoc mesenteroid spp cremoris, Kocuria rhizophila, and etc. Separated strains were classified as those of the low- or non-pathogenicity; however, most of these strains may render fatal consequences to patients of lower level of immunity due to acquired tolerance to antibiotics. At week 1, when the number of tests was the highest, 44 colonies were identified, and at week 4, when the number of tests was the lowest, 4 colonies were identified. As r=0.994, it was found that the number of colonies increased as the number of tests increased. In conclusion, it was confirmed that the cause of the infection was not the ultrasound gel, but the examiner's hand. The ultrasound gel or gel container may be contaminated by skin flora of examiner's hands, which can cause opportunistic infection in patients with low immunity. The ultrasound gel or gel container may be contaminated by skin flora of examiner's hands, which can cause opportunistic infection in patients with low immunity. Therefore, it was confirmed that thorough hand disinfection was necessary to block healthcare-associated infections.

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References

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