Clinical Resources

 

Light based anti-infectives: ultraviolet C irradiation, photodynamic therapy, blue light, and beyond

“Owing to the worldwide increase in antibiotic resistance, researchers are investigating alternative anti-infective strategies to which it is supposed microorganisms will be unable to develop resistance. Light based anti-infective therapies have become a rapidly growing area of interest in recent years. The reasons for this rise in interest are manifold; multi antibiotic resistance is the predominant growth-driving factor.”

Yin R, Dai T, Avci P, et al. Light based anti-infectives: ultraviolet C irradiation, photodynamic therapy, blue light, and beyond. Current opinion in pharmacology. 2013;13(5):10.1016/j.coph.2013.08.009. doi:10.1016/j.coph.2013.08.009.

Light based anti-infectives: ultraviolet C irradiation, photodynamic therapy, blue light, and beyond
UVC radiation as an effective disinfectant method to inactivate human papillomaviruses

UVC radiation as an effective disinfectant method to inactivate human papillomaviruses

“The automated Antigermix S1 device showed excellent efficacy against HPV16 and HPV18 whereas OPA showed minimal efficacy. While HPV is highly resistant to OPA, high-level UVC radiation offers an effective disinfection practice for ultrasound probes. Our results suggest that healthcare facilities using endocavitary ultrasound probes need to strongly consider disinfection methods that are effective against HPV.”

Meyers C, Milici J, Robison R (2017) UVC radiation as an effective disinfectant method to inactivate human papillomaviruses. PLoS ONE 12 (10): e0187377. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0187377

Cross-Infection risks in ultrasound examinations

Among Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), cross-infections due to the use of ultrasound probes in various medical procedures have become a major concern with converging evidence in research literature.

Cross-Infection risks in ultrasound examinations
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) risk and challenges

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) risk and challenges

Published test results showed that commonly used clinical disinfectants, including those used as sterilants in medical and dental healthcare facilities, have no effect on HPV16 and HPV18.

Emergency Department POCUS a New Frontier

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a cornerstone in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the emergency and critical care departments.

To achieve the full ultrasound benefits inpatient care, medical teams need to consider the contamination risk over repeated use of probes as a vector for pathogen transmission.

Emergency Department POCUS a New Frontier
UV-C effectiveness against HPV

UV-C effectiveness against HPV

HPV RESEARCH IN A CLINICAL USE TEST

The aim of this study was to determineif UV-C disinfection is efficient in routine clinical conditions, especially against HPV

IVF success rate in mind

EXPOSURE TO TOXIC DISINFECTANT CAN IMPACT IVF SUCCESS RATE

The risk of exposure to toxic residuals can impact oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer and other IVF applications during pelvis ultrasound probe procedures (1-9)

EXPOSURE TO TOXIC DISINFECTANT CAN IMPACT IVF SUCCESS RATE
UVC Regional Anaesthesia Block placement contamination risk

Regional Anaesthesia Block placement contamination risk

With quick turnaround times, performing 10 to 30 blocks per day, including single-shot injections and catheter placements, it is often not practical to move probes to and from Central Sterilisation Departments for disinfection. Due to ultrasound probes reusable nature, they are ideal vectors for cross contamination if not protected and cleaned correctly.