Comparison of ultrasound images obtained by different disinfection methods used

Ultrasonography-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) applications are important in the practice of anesthesiology in the world. Despite the positive effect on patient care, there is concern that ultrasound (US) probes may be used repeatedly and assume a vector role in pathogen transport. There is no consensus on how to preserve US probes and use of gels against probing surface damage with pre-UGRA probe disinfection, agents used, and is still a research topic. Methods: Five different disinfection methods were compared via image quality by experienced anesthesiologists. Evaluators has been wanted to score the image that was recorded with using a defined disinfection method. Evaluators were blind while scoring the image. As a mean of 4,65 (US probe non-sterile stretch film coating and antiseptic spray(10% povidone-iodine) on the stretch film) Method 3 has been the most preferred one. The use of proven disinfection methods in UGRA interventions will be beneficial in terms of cost-effectiveness. According to study results, Method 3 (US probe non-sterile stretch film coating and antiseptic spray(10% povidone-iodine) on the stretch film) was observed to provide best image quality and cause the least cost for long-term use.